Last Supper

Upper Room

(Mt. 26:17-30, Mk. 14:12-26 Luke 22:7-23 and John 13:1-17:26)

Italian Renaissance artist Domenico Ghirlandaio

The cup we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?  

The bread we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 

For we are all partakers of that one bread: 

for we being many are one body. 

 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

The Passover meal was particularly important for the Jews, as it was a commemoration that reminded them of their exodus from Egypt over 3300 years ago. In Egypt the blood of a sacrificial lamb (Korban Pesach or Paschal Lamb) was sprinkled on their doorposts to keep the angel of death from slaying the eldest son of the family. Imagine the commotion in Egypt when so many first-born sons died, but none of the Israelite sons died Exodus12:14.

 Caldertop Cottage Nature Diary

Traditionally the Passover meal is a family celebration (or group of families) Exodus 13:3. The last meal that Jesus had with the disciples was a Passover meal. But when Jesus celebrated it with the disciples it laid the foundation for a very sacramental service that was performed in the churches down through the ages.

In the Old Testament the Israelites used to offer animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. This was done repeatedly as it was only a temporary measure until they fell again to sin. On his triumphal entry Jesus on entering the temple, drove out the money changers who were making a lucrative business out of the sacrificial animals. He said he wanted the temple to be a house of prayer, and not a den of thieves. With Jesus death (Korban Pesach or Paschal lamb) no more animal sacrifices were required.

Jesus death on the cross was considered as the final and timeless sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7) as prophesied by the prophet Isaiah on whom the sins of all of us was laid (Isaiah 53:6-7). In the New Testament Peter refers to Jesus as a lamb without blemish (1 Peter 1:19).

Jesus told Peter and John to look for a man carrying a jar of water. The man with a jar of water would be a sign; he would be the one to offer them a room to have their last meal together. All they had to tell the man was the master has need for the room.

  

At the last supper Jesus took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed the feet of his disciples. Normally the washing of the feet was done by the servants. Jesus told his disciples that the reason why he washed their feet was to stress the humble role of a master or teacher was to serve others. He showed that a leader must be a hands on to the needs of one's family, friends and associates. In so doing, he empowered them to work for the greater good of the people.
 

The Last supper had its roots in the Old Testament and the Passover meal. In the upper room Jesus took the bread and wine as sacraments that would in future become religious sacraments in remembrance of his death. Jesus said his blood was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:28)

Jesus said his blood was shed for the new covenant between God and God's people (Luke 22:20). Jesus said he did not come to abolish the laws given to Moses but came to fulfill and accomplish the purpose for which the law was written (Matthew 5:17). The old covenant was written on stone but the new one would be written on our hearts (Hebrews 8:13). 

Today we celebrate the new covenant that Jesus laid for us all. Jeremiah prophesied that God would make a new covenant with the people. One in which Gods laws would be written in the tablets of our hearts. This covenant will come to fruition when Christ comes again.