The New Covenant
Section 1 — Judas’ Choice (Luke 22:1–6)
The Passover week was supposed to be a celebration of God’s rescue. Families were remembering the lamb’s blood that saved Israel. But while everyone prepared for worship, Judas was preparing for betrayal. The shocking part is that Judas wasn’t an outsider. He had walked with Jesus for three years. He saw miracles with his own eyes. Yet little cracks—his love of money, his disappointment in Jesus—not being the Messiah he wanted—opened the door for Satan to enter.
Judas shows us how dangerous it is to let small sins live in our hearts. Betrayal didn’t come out of nowhere. It grew from the inside. And the same is true for us. If we give the enemy a foothold in our thoughts or desires, those cracks can turn into major breaks. But the good news is that the Spirit of God lives in us and gives us the power to resist.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Judas betrayed Jesus even after walking with Him for years?
- What are some “small cracks” in a person’s life that could become dangerous if left unchecked?
- How do we recognize when Satan is trying to use our weaknesses against us?
- What do you think it means to “resist the devil and he will flee” (James 4:7)?
- If Judas teaches us the danger of opening the door to temptation, what does it look like to guard the door instead?
Section 2 — The New Covenant Meal (Luke 22:14–20)
The disciples thought they were just celebrating Passover, the same way their ancestors had done for centuries. But Jesus changed everything. He took the bread and said, “This is my body.” He took the cup and said, “This is my blood of the new covenant.” In one moment, the old covenant of animal sacrifices was ending, and the new covenant of Jesus’ sacrifice was beginning.
This meal wasn’t just about remembering the past. It was about stepping into something brand new—full forgiveness, a relationship with God that wasn’t based on keeping rules, but on Jesus’ blood poured out for us. Every time we take communion, we remember that He has already done everything needed to save us.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus chose a meal to explain His sacrifice?
- How is the bread and cup different from just “symbols”? What are they meant to remind us of?
- The old covenant was based on repeated sacrifices. Why is it good news that Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all”?
- What does it mean for you personally that Jesus invites you to His table?
- How could remembering the cross through communion change the way we live during the week?
Section 3 — Peter’s Failure and Jesus’ Prayer (Luke 22:31–34)
Peter thought he was ready for anything. He promised to follow Jesus to prison and even to death. But Jesus told him the truth: “Before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times.” And that’s exactly what happened. Peter failed. But Jesus had already said, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus knew Peter would fail, but He also knew Peter would come back.
That’s the difference between Judas and Peter. Both betrayed Jesus in different ways. Judas gave in to despair and ran from grace. Peter repented and ran back to Jesus. We all fail at times. The real question is: Where do we run when we do? If we run to Jesus, He restores us and even uses our failures to help others.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Peter was so confident he wouldn’t deny Jesus?
- What does it mean that Jesus prayed for Peter before he failed?
- How does Peter’s story give hope to people who feel like they’ve messed up too badly?
- What’s the difference between Judas’ response to failure and Peter’s?
- How could God use your own failures or struggles to encourage someone else?
Closing Challenge
Every student in the room is somewhere in this story. Maybe you’ve been letting small cracks form, like Judas. Maybe you’ve forgotten how powerful the cross really is, like the disciples who didn’t understand the meal. Maybe you’ve failed like Peter, and you wonder if God still wants you.
The answer is yes—Jesus is still praying for you, still inviting you to His table, still offering you restoration. The new covenant means your failure is not final.
