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274. Moving Out

Psalm 118, Matthew 26:30, Luke 22:35-38, John 14:31
Key Verse: When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:40

As part of the Seder dinner, the participants recite, or read the Psalms known as the "Hallel" Psalms. 113-118. I have not devoted time to these Psalms or their placement within the dinner so as to keep the flow of the story going as simply as possible. However, Psalm 118, is the last Psalm sung. Probably, when Matthew mentions that they sung a hymn and then left, he was referring to this Psalm, which is a Psalm that recounts God's deliverance of His people and the strength that He gives and the promise of salvation to come.

At the Seder meal, there is usually an extra place setting, left untouched in the hopes that one of their great prophets out of their past, Elijah, will come and join them at the meal. Since Elijah had been taken to heaven in a fiery chariot and had not tasted death, (2 Kings 2:11-12) it was thought that he could still return to become a part of present history. It is hoped that Elijah can deliver them from their present troubles. Whether this was part of Jesus' last Seder or not is unknown, but the hope for a deliverer to appear, would certainly be there.

It is interesting that, before they leave the room, Jesus, their true deliverer, now gives them new instructions about the possibility of the need to protect themselves. "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything? But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." (Luke 22:35-36) Again, Jesus knows that He is leaving them in a hostile environment where they will be considered the outlaws. That is how He can be considered, "Numbered with the transgressors." (Luke 22:37 & Isaiah 53:12)

So now, they sing together the last Psalm. "O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless You. The Lord is God and He has made His light shine upon us. You are my God, and I will give You thanks; You are my God; and I will exalt You. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." (Psalm 118:25-27A, 28-29)

Then, they found two swords to take with them, which the Lord said was enough. (Luke 22:38) Notice, that Jesus believed that two swords among the twelve of them was "enough." They were not to rely on defending themselves with the sword, but rely first on God for their deliverance and protection. "Come now; let us leave," Jesus said, (John 14:31B) and they went out into the night.

Hymn: "Shalom"

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