Dining With Destiny: New Beginnings
Jeremy Skaggs March 9, 2025

We begin our Lenten journey to celebrate the Easter season. That means, we are in Luke 22.14-24, focusing on Jesus’ institution of the New Covenant during the Last Supper.

We explore the profound implications of Jesus’ words, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

The sermon highlights how Jesus transforms centuries of Jewish tradition, shifting the focus from Moses to Himself as the fulfillment of God’s promises.

We also examine the disciples’ struggle with personal ambition in the face of this monumental change, drawing parallels to our own lives and our church’s current season of transition.

Takeaways:

1. Embrace the “new” that God is bringing.

  • Just as Jesus establishes a new covenant, we must remain open to the fresh movements of God in our lives and church, even when it challenges our traditions or comfort zones.

2. Be aware of Personal Ambitions:

  • Like the disciples, we sometimes get distracted by our own desires for greatness or recognition, potentially missing the transformative work God is doing around us and in the moment.

3. Understand the Cost of Change:

  • Meaningful transformation often involves letting go of the old to embrace the new, which can be challenging but ultimately leads to growth and renewal.

Closing Thoughts:

As we begin our journey through this season of Lent and beyond, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to embrace His “new covenant” in your life.

Are there areas where you need to let go of personal ambitions or old ways of thinking to fully receive what He is offering?

May we, as a church family, remain open and responsive to the fresh work of the Holy Spirit among us.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Jeremy

Sermon Outline

Luke 22.14-24
The Lord’s Supper
Establishment by Jesus
Weekly celebration in church

Focus on “new covenant”
Significance of the word “new”
Exhilarating and daunting aspects

Transformation of Tradition
Jewish Passover background
Jesus’ change to 2,000 years of history

The Change Jesus Initiated
From Moses to Jesus
Lawgiver
Exodus Leader
Mediator
Focus on Law vs. Rest in Christ’s work

Ambition vs. Transformation
Disciples’ personal ambitions
Judas’ betrayal
Dispute over greatness
Missing the significance of the new covenant

The Cost of Change
 N – Navigating Transitions
 E – Embracing the Journey
 W – Witnessing God’s Hand

Choosing to Enter Change
Natural apprehension
Laying down personal ambitions
Parable of the Two Sons

Letting Go to Grow
Individual and collective relinquishment
New wine and new wineskins analogy

Preparing for God’s New Outpouring

Sermon Study Guide

Sunday, 9 March
Letting Go to Grow: The New Covenant

Opening Activity:

  • Share a recent experience where you encountered something new. How did it make you feel? What challenges or opportunities did it present?

Key Scripture:

  • Luke 22.20 – “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. The sermon mentions how Jesus transformed the Passover tradition.  How do you respond to significant changes in your faith journey?
  2. Reflect on the contrast between Jesus introducing the new covenant and the disciples’ focus on personal ambition. In what ways might we sometimes miss what God is doing because of our own agendas?
  3. The pastor emphasized the cost of change, referencing Jesus’ suffering. Can you share an experience where personal growth or transformation came at a cost? How did you navigate that process?
  4. Discuss the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21). How does this relate to our response to God’s call for change in our lives?
  5. In what ways can we help each other navigate the tension between the comfort of the familiar and the call to embrace God’s new work among us?
  6. The sermon mentions “letting go to grow.” What might God be asking you to release in order to embrace His new work in your life or in our church?

Key Takeaways:

  1. Jesus established a new covenant, transforming centuries of tradition.
  2. Personal ambition can blind us to God’s transformative work.
  3. Embracing God’s new work often requires letting go of the old.
  4. Change, while often challenging, is essential for spiritual growth.

Practical Applications:

  1. This week, intentionally look for areas where God might be initiating something new in your life. Journal about what you observe.
  2. Reflect on any “old wineskins” in your spiritual life that might be hindering new growth. Share with a trusted friend or accountability partner.
  3. Practice saying “yes” to God in small ways this week, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging.
  4. As a group, discuss how you can support each other in embracing change and new seasons in your faith journeys.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, help us to be open to the new things You are doing in our lives and in our church. Give us the courage to let go of what holds us back and to embrace Your transformative work. May we be like new wineskins, ready to receive all that You have for us. Amen.