Genesis 3:15

Genesis 3:15

The View from My Study - Genesis 3:15

December 8, 2025



Friends,

 

Last week we saw the reason ‘why’ Jesus came. The ‘why’ question is one an unbelieving world can’t answer. “Why does anything exist? Why is the world like it is? Why did God allow this to happen?” The Bible has those answers.

 

For years I have taught a personal application of 2 Timothy 3:16. I’m wondering today if we can apply it to God’s story of cosmic redemption also. It reads, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” If we do, the Bible tells us,

 

           1 – What is right with the world – teaching

           2 – What is wrong with the world – reproof

           3 – How to make what is wrong, right – correction

           4 – How God will keep it forever right – training in righteousness

 

           The answer to “why world is like it is,” is Genesis 3:14 and the answer to how God is going to fix it all is Genesis 3:15.

 

In the interim, we live between the tears of a fallen world, illustrated in Ezra 3 and the tears of a redeemed world, seen in Revelation 21. It’s the difference between

 

 

a)    A soldier departing for war

b)    The children returning home for Christmas

 

c)    A loved one’s funeral

d)    A baby’s birth

 

e)    Good Friday

f)     Easter Sunday

 

So, last week’s sermon explained the “why” of Genesis 3:15. This week’s sermon will explain the “how” of that text.

 

You could go back and find “The View from My Study” from last Monday but I’ll provide you with some of those thoughts and then we’ll look at the text itself.

 

The verse divides into four movements.

First, God announces that He Himself will place enmity between the serpent and the woman. The word “enmity” means hostility, a deep and ongoing conflict. Humanity had aligned itself with the serpent through unbelief, yet God graciously disrupts that alliance. Salvation begins not with Adam’s repentance but with God’s action. “I will put” is the first ray of mercy in Scripture. And remember, God is the only One Who can truly, “I will.” (I’m thinking of Satan’s five “I will”s in Isaiah 14:12-15.

1.    “I will ascend to heaven”

2.    “I will set my throne on high”

3.    “I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north”

4.    “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds”

5.    “I will make myself like the Most High”

 

Of course, none of that came to pass. Only God is sovereign. Only God determines history.

Only God can say “I will” with the certainty of it already done!


Second, God expands the conflict beyond the individuals in the garden. All of creation has been corrupted, and all of Adam’s line is contaminated. So this conflict will continue to grow “between your offspring and her offspring.” This introduces two lines running through Scripture. One is marked by rebellion, unbelief, and violence. The other is marked by faith, covenant promise, and righteousness. The story of the Bible follows these two lines as they narrow through Seth, Noah, Abraham, Judah, David, and ultimately the Messiah.

PS – Have you noticed that Peter is a New Testament Judah? I’m thinking of the transformation that we witness between Peter’s denial and Pentecost and 1 & 2 Peter. And I’m thinking of the transformation we witness in Judah from the time he led his brothers to sell Joseph into slavery to when he offered himself as a pledge/substitute for Benjamin. What a glorious gospel friends!


Third, it is true that in the process of redemption, the serpent will “bruise His heel.” The victory will come through suffering. The Redeemer will be wounded, yet His wound will not be final. The serpent will strike, but he will not conquer. The promise looks ahead to a costly victory that will unfold fully in the cross of Christ. This sets the Bible pattern for salvation in judgement, which is a cosmic and personal blueprint.

Fourth, notice that the language shifts from collective to singular. The promise becomes personal: “He shall bruise your head.” A single descendant of the woman will rise to deal the serpent a decisive and fatal blow. Even though Jesus is wounded at Calvary, he nonetheless survives the ordeal in his resurrection, triumphing over the whole curse that began back in Eden. The imagery of crushing a head points to complete defeat. From this point forward, the Old Testament anticipates a Redeemer, a Champion who will undo the serpent’s work. The rest of the Bible is the unfolding and revealing of that plan.


Taken together, Genesis 3:15 introduces the key themes of the gospel: divine initiative, a promised Redeemer, victory through suffering and Jesus’ ultimate reconciliation of all things to himself (Colossians 1:20). Everything else in Scripture grows from this “seed.” This is the beginning of the story of everything.

Now, as the old timers say, “If that don’t light your fire, your wood is wet.” It’s not only shoutin’ time in Heaven, but on earth too, culminating in the voices of unnumbered angels at Jesus’ birth.

So, below these comments you’ll find a general outline for this Sunday’s sermon plus the TRAP devotion for CG leaders to help this word of Christ dwell richly in you throughout the week. As you study and mediate on this passage each day this week, let your imagination run through the pages of Scripture and watch how God works out all the aspects of the birth of Jesus which we celebrate during this Christmas season. It is indeed the most amazing story.

Here's the sermon outline as it stands this Monday morning -

 

Intro: The first mention of the Gospel is in Genesis 3:15 where God promises a deliverer to fix what is wrong with us and the world, what hurts us and the world. In inexplicable grace, God doesn’t turn his back on a rebellious world but sets a plan in motion to reconcile everything: ‘to restore, with more.’

 

It all begins with -

 

First: The Divine Initiative: God Breaks Into Our Ruin - “I will put enmity…” - This is Eden

 

Second: The Human Line: God Will Act Through the Woman - “…between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring…” - This is the history of OT Israel

 

Third: The Coming Champion: A Singular Son Will Win the Ultimate Battle - “…He shall bruise your head…” - This is Bethlehem

 

Fourth: The Wounded Deliverer: Victory Through Suffering - “…and you shall bruise His heel.” - This is the cross and the empty tomb

 

Fifth: The Gospel Pattern Established in Eden: The Cross Before the Throne – This is our story

 

Conclusion: The whole Bible story can be told in Genesis 3:15.

 

  1. God Acts – “I will put enmity…”
  2. God Chooses – “…between your offspring and her offspring…”
  3. God Sends – “He shall bruise your head…”
  4. God Wins – “…you shall bruise His heel.”

 

It’s God’s story. It’s your story. It’s our story. It’s the story of everything.

 


 

Monday, December 8th

The Divine Initiative

“I will put enmity…”

 

Think. Genesis 3:15 opens with the most unexpected phrase in the Bible. “I will put.” The first movement of redemption begins not with Adam’s repentance but with God’s personal action. Humanity chose alliance with the serpent, yet God Himself intrudes to break that alliance, entering into our ruin. This is the first ray of mercy in history. Only God can speak an “I will” that becomes an unbreakable certainty. His initiative is the fountainhead of grace.

 

Reflect. Consider what this means for the story of Scripture. The serpent made his five “I will” claims in Isaiah 14, yet not one of them came to pass. Only God determines the shape of history. Wow, that will ‘preach’ for your CG members as they apply this to their own lives. When the world falls, God acts. When the heart rebels, God moves toward us. Redemption begins in divine pursuit, not human recovery.

 

Apply. You may often feel pressure to generate spiritual momentum in your group. Let this phrase steady you. God begins the work in every soul you shepherd. Look for evidence of His initiative among your CG friends this week. Trust that He is already moving before you ever speak on Sunday.

 

Pray. Father, thank You that salvation begins in Your “I will.” Help me rely on Your initiative and power as I guide others this Sunday. Let my confidence rest in Your grace.

 

Tuesday, December 9th

The Human Line

“…between your offspring and her offspring…”

 

Think. God expands the conflict beyond the serpent and the woman. Two lines now run through Scripture. One line is marked by rebellion and unbelief. The other is marked by faith and covenant promise. The whole Old Testament becomes the story of these two lines narrowing toward the One who will embody all hope. What OT names can you think of who stand at the head of each of these lines or continue them?

 

Reflect. Ponder how this theme traces through Seth, Noah, Abraham, Judah, David and finally Jesus. The long, winding story of Israel is already present here in seed form. The conflict of the world, the ache of human history, the longing for a king all grow out of this single promise. The “why” of the world’s condition is found in Genesis 3:14. The “how” of God’s restoration is introduced in Genesis 3:15. What a glorious book we have in the Bible, friends!

 

Apply. As CG leaders, remember that every person you shepherd is shaped by a story larger than their own. Help them see their place in God’s redemptive line. Don’t let them interpret one day or event apart from all else God is doing in them and in the world. Encourage them that their faith, however small, is part of a divine narrative that began in Eden and is fulfilled in Christ.

 

Pray. Lord, thank You that You weave history through promise. Draw my heart into Your story and, this Sunday, let me help others find their place in it.

 

Wednesday, December 10th

The Coming Champion

“He shall bruise your head…”

 

Think. Here the promise moves from many to one. Many Bible characters have succeeded but all have failed in one way or another. This is why a singular Son is promised. There is only one Hero of the Bible. A divine Champion will arise. Redemption becomes personal. The serpent’s power will be crushed by the offspring of the woman. This is Bethlehem foretold. Every prophecy, every longing, every covenant bends toward this Child.

 

Reflect. Meditate on how remarkable this is. In the ruins of Eden, God announces Christmas. Before Abraham, Moses or David, God promises a Deliverer who will undo the serpent’s work. The entire Bible grows from this seed. The manger is already glowing with promised hope while Adam and Eve still stand trembling in their shame. Wow, what a story the Bible tells!

 

Apply. Let this sharpen how you prepare for Sunday. When your CG gathers, you are pointing them toward the Champion who has already won their victory. Think of those who feel defeated or overwhelmed. Lead them to behold Jesus, who overcomes and crushes what they cannot, be it temptation, sin, oppression, etc. Don’t fight alone. Run to Jesus and stand in his victory.

 

Pray. Jesus, You are the promised Champion. Let my heart rejoice in Your victory and help me lead others to rest deeply in Your triumph.

 

Thursday, December 11th

The Wounded Deliverer

“…and you shall bruise His heel.”

 

Think. Victory comes through suffering. The serpent will strike. The Redeemer will be wounded, yet the wound will not be final. Here the cross of Golgotha rises on the horizon of Eden. Salvation will unfold through judgment and triumph through injury. The Champion’s heel will be bruised, but the serpent’s head will be crushed. One wound is temporary. The other is final.

 

Reflect. This is the gospel pattern that shapes the whole Christian life. Resurrection hope always grows out of ‘cruciform’ (cross-shaping) soil. We see this throughout Scripture. We see it in the life of Jesus. We see it in our lives. The cross comes before the throne. The valley comes before the mountain. The ache comes before the song.

 

Apply. Help your CG members reinterpret their present sufferings in light of this promise. Some of your CG members are bruised in spirit. After all, Christmas can be both exhilarating and depression. Some may feel struck by the world. Remind them that the suffering of Jesus has secured their final healing. No wound endured in faith is wasted. It becomes a place where Christ’s victory is learned. We will weep in Heaven, but tears of joy, and only for a moment!

 

Pray. Lord Jesus, teach me to see suffering through Your cross. Use my wounds as testimony of Your triumph. Then, strengthen me to shepherd my CG with compassion and hope, pointing everyone to Jesus.

 

Friday, December 12th.

The Gospel Pattern for Our Lives

The Cross Before the Crown

 

Think. Genesis 3:15 is not merely ancient history. It is the pattern by which God has formed His people throughout history. And he’s still doing it today. God acts. God chooses. God sends. God wins. Our story unfolds within His story. The cosmic war becomes personal as the Spirit applies Christ’s victory to our daily struggles and sanctification.

 

Reflect. We live between the tears of a fallen world, like Ezra 3, and the tears wiped away in Revelation 21. The ache of departure and the joy of return. The sorrow of Good Friday and the song of Easter morning. Every shadow in our present experience is held within the light of the Redeemer’s finished work.

 

Apply. As you prepare for Sunday’s gathering, let this week’s meditation draw your heart into worship. Encourage your group to enter the story of Genesis 3:15 with awe. Let them see Christmas as the unfolding of this ancient promise. Lead them to marvel at the God who restores with more.

 

Pray. Father, unite my heart to the gospel pattern. Let the cross shape my life. Let the resurrection shape my hope. Then, prepare me to lead your people with grace, joy and clarity.

 

Blessings to you, dear friends, as you study Genesis 3:15 this week. May the Holy Spirit wonderfully apply it to your life so that he can apply it to your CG through you this Sunday.

 

Pastor Reggie

 

 

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The Test of True Greatness

By Reggie Weems • November 3, 2025
Good Monday morning dear friends, You are on my heart this morning and my passion is to provide you with something the Holy Spirit can use to conform you to the image of Jesus, loving God and sharing the blessing of knowing him with others just as the Lord has been doing in Luke’s Gospel. As I mentioned last Monday, there are five Sundays in November and I have divided Luke 22 into five sermons. Yesterday we looked at 1 – The Plot and the Passover in verses 1-23 I hope Sunday’s sermon was a blessing to you, that you can practically apply it to the pressures of your own life and will use the text to help others who are enduring stress. The rest of the series looks like this: 2 – The Test of True Greatness – 24-38 3 – The Agony in the Garden – 39-46 4 – The Kiss and the Sword – 47-53 5 – The Disciples’ Fall & the Son’s Faithfulness – 54-71 This week we are focusing on true greatness in verses 24-38 and today is ‘Observation’ day. According to Jesus in these verses, true greatness is not measured by one’s position or power but by three things: humility, dependence, and endurance. First, understanding the setting is essential to interpreting and applying the text. a) The conversation happens during the Last Supper, immediately after Jesus instituted the bread and cup (19–20). b) The disciples are still gathered around the table in the upper room (21), so this dialogue flows out of that moment. c) Jesus is preparing the disciples for His departure, suffering, and betrayal (21–23), yet they are distracted by an argument. Second, the disciples are arguing about greatness in vs 24-27. a) Dispute in vs 24 is philoneikia = a love of contention. b) The issue is, “Which of them was to be regarded as the greatest”. 24b c) Jesus uses the moment to contrast worldly greatness with kingdom greatness: o “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship…” 25 o “But not so with you.” 26 d) And he introduces a magnificent reversal: “Let the greatest become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.” 25b e) He then presents himself as the model: “I am among you as the one who serves.” 27c f) And contrasts his kingdom with this present world. 27a-b. Summary: Jesus redirects the disciples’ ambition toward humility, the kind of humility he is going to demonstrate on the cross. The third thing I see is that Jesus offers the disciples a commendation and a promise. 28-30. a) Jesus acknowledges their faithfulness: “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials.” 28. b) And he promises them a place in His kingdom: o “I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom.” 29a o “You may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom.” 30a o “You will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” 30b c) The verbs “assign” (diatithemai) and “stay” (diamenōT) indicate covenantal loyalty and endurance. Summary: Jesus shifts their thinking from their present humility to future honor - 28–30. At that moment, (fourthly), Jesus redirects his attention from the group to Peter with a warning. 31–34 a) “Simon, Simon” denotes urgency. (I love the double calls of Scripture). b) He then discusses the spiritual warfare surrounding the disciples: “Satan demanded to have you [plural], that he might sift you [plural] like wheat” 31b. c) And reveals his personal prayers for Peter, “But I have prayed for you [singular], that your faith may not fail” v 32a. d) Then predicts Peter’s failure and restoration. “When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” 32b. e) As would be natural for any of us, Peter protests his loyalty: “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death” 33. f) But Jesus remains steadfast and foretells Peter’s denial: “The rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you know me” 34. Summary: Notice the key contrasts in this section: Satan’s demand vs. Christ’s prayer; Peter’s confidence vs. Christ’s foreknowledge. Finally, Jesus gives them all new instructions. 35-38. a) Jesus recalls the earlier mission (Luke 9–10): “When I sent you out without moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” — They answer, “Nothing.” 35. b) Now He gives new instructions for a hostile environment: o “Let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack.” 36a o “And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” 36b. c) Jesus then quotes Isaiah 53:12: “He was numbered with the transgressors.” 37. o This connects His coming suffering with prophecy fulfillment. d) The disciples misunderstand, taking Him literally: “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” 38a e) Jesus ends the conversation: “It is enough.” 38b. Summary: The atmosphere has subtly moved from an intimate table fellowship to impending public conflict and departure. It will occur sooner than the disciples understand. Concluding thoughts: Notice some of the repeated themes and patterns There is a contrast of worldly power vs. servant humility; boasting vs. weakness; self-reliance vs. dependence on Christ. There is the repetition of how Jesus address the group: “You” plural vs. “you” singular (Peter)—the group and the individual are both in view. See how the tone of the evening progresses: Argument (vv. 24–25) Correction (vv. 26–27) Encouragement (vv. 28–30) Warning (vv. 31–34) Preparation (vv. 35–38) This passage moves from ambition to affirmation to intercession to instruction. Overall, then, what I observe in this passage is that, Jesus redefines greatness through service. He prepares His followers for testing in pride and persecution. Even at this late date, the disciples’ hearts are exposed as self-seeking, overconfident, and unprepared. Yet Jesus responds with prayer, a promise, and patience. In other words, the true “test of greatness” in Jesus’ kingdom is unfolding right there in the upper room: Will they serve, endure, and trust? I hope that observation will serve you as you begin studying this week. Pray for me if you will. The TRAP Daily Devotion for Study and Transformation (Truth + Time = Transformation) Now that we’ve ‘gutted’ the text, let’s consider how we might meditate on various verses each day of this week, letting the word of Christ “dwell richly” (Col 3:16), so the Holy Spirit can accomplish his reclamation project of returning the full expression of the imago dei to each of us. Today the 3 rd . Read Luke 22:24-27 and meditate on this: Greatness looks like serving Think. A dispute breaks out over who is the greatest. Jesus answers by pointing to the pattern of Gentile rulers who dominate, then overturns it saying the greatest becomes as the youngest, and the leader as the one who serves with himself as the ultimate model. Reflect. Where do I secretly compare myself to others, elevate myself or put others down, in an effort to make myself look good? Apply. Choose one unseen act of service today for someone who cannot repay you. Pray Lord Jesus, you led the disciples as the One who serves. You still serve me by your grace, through creation, the Word, friends, the church, in too many ways to number. “Take my life today and let it be, consecrated, Lord for thee.” Tuesday the 4 th . Read Luke 22:28–30 and meditate on this: Present faithfulness ensures future rewards. Think. Jesus honors the disciples. They stayed with Him throughout his ministry. As a result, he assigns them a place in his kingdom. In effect, they have lost their lives to save them (Matt 16:25). Reflect. How can Jesus’ promise shape my faithfulness to him today? Apply. Name one trial you face. Write, either on paper or in your mind, one sentence of faithful resolve that you will practice this week. Pray. Father, enable me to remain faithful to Jesus in hard places. Fix my eyes on the table He has promised. Wednesday, the 5 th . Read Luke 22:31–32 and meditate on Satan’s plans and God’s power. Think. Jesus reveals the spiritual battle that surrounds you. Satan intended to sift the disciples, but Jesus says He has prayed for Peter so that his faith will not fail. He then charges Peter to strengthen his brothers after he turns back. Reflect. How does knowing that Jesus prays for you (Hb 7:25) encourage your faithfulness? Apply. Today, reach out to someone who is wavering. Share a word of encouragement from the Bible and pray with them. Pray. Lord, thank You for praying for me. Help me to pray for others. Thursday, the 6 th .  Read Luke 22:33–34 and meditate on honest zeal and Jesus’ sobering words. Think. Peter vows loyalty to Jesus even if he goes to prison or dies. Jesus answers with a sobering prediction. Before dawn Peter will deny Him three times. Reflect. Where are my words outrunning my obedience so that I am living hypocritically? Apply. Confess one area of overconfidence/pride to the Lord. Demonstrate repentance by acting humbly in that area. Pray. Lord Jesus, rescue me from proud words and shallow strength. Help me to live in repentance over my pride. Friday, the 7 th . Read Luke 22:35–38 and meditate on your readiness for the hostile world around you. Think. Jesus recalls the disciples’ earlier mission of dependence. They lacked nothing. Now he tells them to take provisions, citing Isaiah 53:12. Reflect. Where am I naïve about opposition, and where am I anxious rather than trusting? Apply. You know your weaknesses. Prepare your heart for the pressure you will endure today. Take a Bible verse and a prayer with you throughout the day. Pray. Lord, help me to live aware of Satan’s ploys. By your Spirit, use your word as my sword.

The Covenanting Table

By Reggie Weems • October 27, 2025
Good Monday morning friends. It’s raining outside which encourages me to pray “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness, let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to spout; I the LORD have created it.” (Isaiah 45:8). So, my prayer today for myself, you, Heritage and the world is that God’s salvation will produce righteousness in me and us. There are five Sundays in November and I’m going to divide Luke 22 into five sermons: 1 – The Plot and the Passover – 1-23 2 – The Test of True Greatness – 24-38 3 – The Agony in the Garden – 39-46 4 – The Kiss and the Sword – 47-53 5 – The Disciples’ Fall & the Son’s Faithfulness – 54-71 Those working titles tell us what is transpiring in each of those texts. I’m not sure they will remain the sermon titles. This Sunday’s sermon title could be: The Covenanting Table. An outline might look like this – First: The Conspiracy Against Jesus. 1-6 Second: The Preparation for the Passover. 7-13 Third: The Institution of the Lord’s Supper. 14-23 Fourth: The Meaning of the Meal Let’s take the first point and apply the Observation, Interpretation, Correlation and Application (OICA) model to it. Here’s what I see first thing this Monday morning. Observation – What the text says a) The Passover draws near, and the religious leaders seek a way to destroy Jesus. 1-2 b) Judas, one of the Twelve, consents to betray Him for money. 3-6 Interpretation – What the text means. a) Luke frames this scene with the irony that the Feast of Deliverance (Passover) becomes the backdrop for the ultimate Deliverer’s betrayal. Wow. (That is so important). His non-deliverance ensures our deliverance. It reiterates the salvation through judgement motif that runs throughout the Bible. b) Satan’s entering into Judas proves he is not a Christian. (You can spend time on demon possession in your CG, but I won’t delve into it too much in the sermon. c) Even so, evil plots do not frustrate God’s plan. They fulfill it. I’ll say more about that in the Correlation portion of this point. Correlation – Where else does the Bible say something like this? a) This is the story of the Bible (How many times do we see this in the Bible? (That’s a great CG discussion). For instance, look at just four examples - b) Satan’s ploy in the Garden of Eden set the stage for the New Jerusalem/Haven. c) Joseph’s brothers once sold him into slavery, yet God turned it for salvation (Gen. 50:20). d) Haman’s plot in the book of Esther functions as another vivid example of the same redemptive irony that Joseph’s story and Judas’s betrayal reveal: evil intends destruction, but God works through it to accomplish salvation. (I may mention Haman here because my hope is to move from Psalm 119 next year to the book of Esther. Mentioning Haman here may whet the congregation’s appetite for more. That story is less well-known than Joseph’s but again, it is the basic storyline of the Bible summed up in Romans 8:28). e) The cross is the final instance of human treachery overruled by divine sovereignty. Application — How do I move this from text to transformation? How might the Holy Spirit apply this truth to me? Trust God’s purpose even when you see human schemes that defy God’s will for you and the world. He is never surprised. He is always in control. He is working all things together for his glory and your good (which are synonymous). Well friends, that’s just the outline for point one, The Conspiracy Against Jesus in verses 1-6. You can see how I could really preach four sermons just on this single point alone, and you could lead four CG discussions to fully enjoy each section of vs 1-23 over five Sundays. Wow! Often, the hardest part in preaching and teaching is not ‘what to say,’ but, ‘what not to say,’ because there is so much to say. The Bible is so rich and so deep. It makes me think of Paul’s comment, “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things…” (Ephesians 3:7-9). Reading even a single verse in the Bible is like standing under Niagara Falls. But my main point this Sunday will be to emphasize the covenanting table, so I will leave those extraneous discussions to you. PS – They are extraneous to my point Sunday. They are not extraneous to discussion in your CG. Oh, by the way, I’ve divided Luke 22 into five sermons because I think I will preach a Christmas series this year for the four Sundays of December. I haven’t taken a break from preaching through a book over the Christmas season in many years and I think the congregation will enjoy it. I wish I could start the Sunday after Thanksgiving, on November 30 th , but Luke presents chapter 22 in five sections, requiring 5 sermons. Well, I had an early morning meeting away from the study this morning which has cut into my Monday morning Observation of our text. And, I’m using my Monday lunchtimes to listen to a Northside student read so, my Monday morning is a little shorter than normal. I have to stop now but will leave you with the Monday-Friday CG Leader Study Guide to help you think on the text each day this week while we pray Paul’s admonition to Timothy – “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (2 Timothy 2:7). Remember, we’re using the TRAP model (Think Reflect, Apply Pray), which is just as different way of saying, OICA. My hope it will ‘trap’ the text in your mind and heart. (Yes, it may be corny but that’s because I created it). Monday – The Shadow of Betrayal (v. 1–6) Think : The Passover draws near, but instead of worshipping, the leaders plan murder. Judas agrees to betray Jesus for money. Evil is real, yet God’s plan is still unfolding. Reflect : When have you seen God bring good out of human failure or injustice? How does that strengthen your faith when life feels unfair? Apply : Choose to trust God’s providence in personal circumstances you do not understand. His purposes are never interrupted. Pray : Lord, when darkness seems to win, remind me that You are never defeated. Give me confidence in Your sovereign grace. Tuesday – The Preparation of the Passover (v. 7–13) Think : Jesus gives Peter and John exact instructions, and they find everything “just as He had told them.” The one who will soon be crucified is completely in control. Reflect : How does Jesus’ attention to detail encourage you to rest in His leadership over your life today? Apply : Ask God to help you obey promptly and trust His direction in both small and large matters this week. Pray : Sovereign Lord, thank You that You go before me in every detail. Teach me to follow Your word with quiet confidence. Wednesday – The Covenant Meal (v. 14–20) Think : Jesus transforms the Passover into the Lord’s Supper. The bread and cup now point to His body and blood, sealing a new covenant of forgiveness. Reflect : What does it mean that Jesus “earnestly desired” to share this meal before He suffered? How does that reveal His love for you? Apply : Last Sunday we enjoyed the Lord’s Table. Did you take time to confess sin? Perhaps you saw that ‘indulgence, addiction, anxiety’ pattern in your life? What have you decided to do about it? Pray : Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself for me. Let the reminder of last Sunday’s bread and cup renew my daily love and gratitude for You while I seek to live for you. Thursday – The Presence of Betrayal (v. 21–23) Think : Even at the table of grace sits a betrayer. Judas proves that outward closeness to Jesus is not the same as inward devotion. Reflect : In what subtle ways might we deny or betray Jesus, through compromise, silence, or divided loyalties? (Again, think about ‘indulgence, addiction, anxiety’ as a false god or idol. Apply : Invite the Spirit to search your heart for any hypocrisy or hardness. Commit to wholehearted loyalty to Christ. Pray : Search me, O God, and cleanse my heart. Keep me from the spirit of Judas and make me faithful to You. Friday – The Meaning of the Meal (v. 14–23), Review & Application) Think : The upper room shows a Savior who rules every moment. The meal proclaims His death, confirms His covenant, and anticipates His return. Reflect : How does this text deepen your assurance that nothing can separate you from Christ’s love? Apply : End the week with gratitude. Before Sunday worship, remember His body given and His blood poured out for you last Sunday as you prepare to gather again this Sunday. Pray : Jesus, you are the true Passover Lamb. Thank You that Your blood covers me. Help me live each day in joyful remembrance until You come again.