The Last Supper
The Last Supper is a significant event in the life of Jesus Christ, marking His final meal with His twelve disciples before His crucifixion. This meal, which took place during the Jewish festival of Passover, is recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Last Supper holds deep theological and symbolic meaning in Christianity, particularly as the moment when Jesus instituted the practice of Holy Communion (also called the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper) and foretold His sacrificial death.
The Story of the Last Supper
- Preparation for the Passover Meal
The Last Supper occurred on the evening before Jesus was arrested. He instructed His disciples to prepare for the Passover meal in a specific location. In Luke 22:8-13, Jesus told Peter and John to go into the city, where they would meet a man carrying a jar of water. This man would lead them to a large upper room where they could prepare the meal. They followed Jesus’ instructions and made preparations for the meal, according to the Passover traditions. - Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
Before the meal, in John 13:1-17, Jesus performed a remarkable act of humility by washing His disciples’ feet, a task typically reserved for servants. This act demonstrated His love, servanthood, and the lesson that His followers are to serve others humbly. After washing their feet, Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). This set the tone for His teaching about love and sacrifice. - The Announcement of Betrayal
As they were eating, Jesus made a startling announcement: one of His disciples would betray Him. In Matthew 26:21, He said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” This shocked the disciples, and they began to ask, “Is it I, Lord?” In John 13:26-27, Jesus identified Judas Iscariot as the betrayer by giving him a piece of bread. Judas soon left the meal to carry out his betrayal, setting in motion the events that would lead to Jesus’ arrest. - Institution of the Lord’s Supper
During the meal, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body” (Matthew 26:26). Then He took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:27-28).
In this moment, Jesus established the Lord’s Supper, a practice that Christians continue to observe as a remembrance of His sacrifice. The bread symbolizes His body, and the wine (or grape juice) symbolizes His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. - A New Covenant
Jesus’ words during the Last Supper revealed that His death would establish a new covenant between God and humanity. This new covenant, based on His sacrificial death, would offer forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. The breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup symbolized the forthcoming events of His crucifixion, where His body would be broken and His blood poured out. - Foretelling Peter’s Denial
After the meal, Jesus told His disciples that they would all abandon Him. Peter, known for his boldness, declared that he would never leave Jesus, even if it meant death. However, Jesus foretold that Peter would deny knowing Him three times before the rooster crowed the next morning. This prediction is found in Matthew 26:33-35. Peter, shocked and confident in his loyalty, could not believe this would happen. - Jesus’ Prayer and Hymn
After the Last Supper, the group sang a hymn and then went to the Mount of Olives, where Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. During this time, Jesus prayed intensely, knowing the suffering He was about to endure. He asked the Father to take the “cup” of suffering from Him, yet submitted to God’s will, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Significance of the Last Supper
- Holy Communion (Eucharist)
The Last Supper is the foundation for the Christian practice of Holy Communion, a sacrament in which believers partake of bread and wine (or grape juice) in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus instructed His disciples to continue this practice, saying, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). It is a way for Christians to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for their salvation and to remember the new covenant established through His death. - The Betrayal and Suffering of Jesus
The Last Supper marks the beginning of the Passion of Christ, which includes His betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Jesus’ prediction of His betrayal and Peter’s denial foreshadowed the suffering He would soon endure. The events of the Last Supper lead directly to His arrest later that night in the Garden of Gethsemane. - A Lesson in Service and Love
Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet emphasized the importance of humility, service, and love. He showed that even though He was their Lord and Teacher, He was willing to serve them in the most humble way. This example serves as a model for Christians to love and serve others selflessly. - The New Covenant
The Last Supper symbolized the beginning of the new covenant between God and humanity. This new covenant is based on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God through faith in Christ. The old covenant, based on the law and animal sacrifices, was fulfilled in Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
Conclusion
The Last Supper is a pivotal event in the life of Jesus, marking the institution of Holy Communion and setting the stage for His death on the cross. It reveals profound truths about sacrifice, service, love, and redemption. Through the bread and wine, Jesus symbolically shared His body and blood, pointing to His upcoming crucifixion, where He would offer Himself for the salvation of the world. The Last Supper continues to be remembered and celebrated by Christians today, as they partake in the Lord’s Supper to honor and reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope of eternal life through Him.