JesusX30 Challenge—Scene 23: THE KING’S VIGIL
@TysonPutthoff | #JesusX30Challenge #JesusX30 #JX30Challenge
1. Key Texts
• Matthew 26:17–30
• Mark 14:12–26
• Luke 22:7–38
• John 13–17 — Footwashing, farewell teachings, High Priestly Prayer
2. Date & Place
• Passover week, Spring 29 AD.
• Upper Room in Jerusalem, then toward the Mount of Olives.
• The final evening before Jesus’ arrest—an intentional, pre-planned gathering for clarity and preparation.
3. Main Account
A. Preparing the Passover
• Jesus gives specific instructions; nothing is improvised.
• The man carrying water signals a prepared, hidden location.
• Jesus expresses deep desire to share this meal before his suffering (Luke 22:15).
B. Footwashing: Leadership Reimagined (John 13)
• Jesus removes his outer robe, takes a towel, and washes their feet—work reserved for servants.
• Peter resists; Jesus replies that sharing in him requires receiving his service (meros = participation, inheritance).
• The Kingdom’s model of power is humility, not hierarchy.
C. The Meal and the New Covenant
• Bread: “This is my body, given for you.”
• Cup: “This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many.”
• Echoes Exodus 24 and covenant-making ritual.
• “Do this” (poieite) = enact, embody — not merely repeat a ritual but live its meaning.
D. Betrayal Named, Peace Maintained
• Jesus calmly acknowledges a betrayer among them (Mark 14:18–21).
• No panic—just truth spoken with composure and purpose.
• Even betrayal cannot derail the mission.
E. Hymns, Promise, and Warning
• They conclude with the Hallel (Psalms 115–118).
• Jesus quotes Zechariah 13:7 — the Shepherd struck, the sheep scattered.
• But promises: “After I am raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee” (Mark 14:28).
• Failure will not end the story.
F. The Farewell Teaching & Prayer (John 14–17)
• “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
• Vine and branches—remain, abide, stay rooted.
• Promise of the Spirit as Advocate and Helper.
• Jesus prays for his disciples and future believers — unity, love, and truth.
4. Main Point
• Jesus reframes power through humility, service, and surrender.
• The Last Supper is not an ending but the blueprint of the Kingdom.
• Real strength is grounded, peaceful, relational—not controlling or defensive.
• The King prepares for suffering by serving and praying, not seizing power.
5. Exegetical Insight
• “I have eagerly desired” in Luke 22:15 doubles the verb epithymeō—deep intention and longing.
• Footwashing is a lived parable of kenosis (self-emptying).
• “Do this” (poieite) in Luke/Paul implies ongoing participation, not mere remembrance.
6. Reflection Questions
• Where am I resisting Jesus’ way of humility?
• What does it look like to let Jesus “wash my feet”—to receive instead of perform?
• Where might faithfulness—not control—be my real next step?
• How can I embody the meal’s meaning this week?
7. Action Step / Challenge
• Practice a concrete act of humble service today—quietly, without recognition.
• Anchor yourself in one teaching from John 14–17 (peace, abiding, unity).
• Receive God’s love before attempting to give it.
Buy the books!
This 30-day challenge is based on my book trilogy entitled Jesus: The Strategic Life and Mission of the Messiah and His Movement (3 Volumes, Hekhal Publishing Co., 2025).
You can buy or borrow the trilogy at:
Hekhal Publishing Co. (look for free samples of each book as well)
Amazon (print or ebook)
Barnes & Noble (print or ebook)
Hoopla (borrow)
Many more booksellers worldwide!
