The Last Supper

THE LAST SUPPER

Introduction

The Last Supper stands as one of the most pivotal events in Christian history, marking the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. This momentous occasion, occurring during the Jewish Passover festival, laid the foundation for the Christian sacrament of Holy Communion and encapsulated many of Jesus' key teachings. The accounts of this event, found in all four Gospels, provide a rich tapestry of theological significance, emotional depth, and historical detail. As we explore the Last Supper chronologically, we'll see how Jesus used this intimate gathering to prepare his disciples for his imminent departure, establish a new covenant, and impart final, crucial lessons about love, service, and the kingdom of God.

1. Preparation

The preparation for the Last Supper occurred on the first day of Unleavened Bread. Jesus sent two of his disciples, identified as Peter and John in Luke's account, to prepare for the meal.

Jesus gave them specific instructions to follow a man carrying a water pitcher, an unusual sight as this was typically a woman's task. This detail suggests divine foreknowledge and arrangement.

And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? (Mark 14:13-14)

Note that Jesus merely introduces the question without confirming his presence at the Passover meal.

2. Beginning of the Supper

As evening came, Jesus and the twelve disciples gathered in the upper room. The meal began with Jesus expressing his deep desire to share Passover with them before his suffering.

And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. (Luke 22:15-16)

This statement underscores the significance of this particular Passover meal as being pre-empted by his crucifixion. Jesus expresses grief in knowing that he would not enjoy this year's Passover as it was to happen on the night following his crucifixion.

3. Ambition Reproved

During the meal, a dispute arose among the disciples about who was considered the greatest. This argument revealed their continued misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom and their roles within it.

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. (Luke 22:24)

Jesus used this opportunity to teach them about true greatness through service, contrasting worldly leadership with the servant leadership he exemplified:

But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. (Luke 22:26-27)

4. Foot Washing

To illustrate his teaching on servanthood, Jesus rose from the table and washed his disciples' feet. This act was deeply symbolic, as foot washing was usually performed by the lowest servants.

After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? (John 13:5-6)

Peter's initial refusal and Jesus' response highlight the spiritual significance of this act:

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. (John 13:7-8)

5. Betrayal Foretold

After the foot washing, Jesus revealed that one of them would betray him. This announcement caused great distress among the disciples.

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. (John 13:21-22)

The disciples' reaction shows their shock and uncertainty:

And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? (Matthew 26:22)

6. Judas Departs

Jesus identified Judas as the betrayer by giving him a piece of bread. After this, Judas left the gathering.

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. (John 13:26-27)

The other disciples did not understand the significance of Judas' departure:

Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. (John 13:28-29)

7. New Commandment

After Judas' departure, Jesus spoke about his glorification and gave a new commandment to his disciples.

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. (John 13:31-32)

This statement points to Jesus' impending death and resurrection. He then gave them a new commandment:

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

This commandment goes beyond the Old Testament command to "love your neighbor as yourself" by setting Christ's sacrificial love as the new standard.

8. Institution of the Lord's Supper

Jesus then took bread and wine, using them to symbolize his body and blood, establishing what would become known as the Eucharist or Communion.

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28)

Luke's account adds Jesus' command to continue this practice:

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. (Luke 22:19)

9. Peter's Denial Predicted

Jesus foretold Peter's denial, warning him of the coming trial of faith, here during the Last Supper in Luke 22:31-34 and John 13:37-38, and a second time during the trek to the Mount of Olives in Matthew 26:31-35 and Mark 14:27-31.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. (Luke 22:31-34)

This prediction demonstrates Jesus' foreknowledge and also his care for Peter, praying for his eventual restoration and future role in strengthening others.

10. Farewell Discourse

Jesus then gave an extended discourse, spanning John chapters 14-16, comforting his disciples and preparing them for his departure. This rich teaching covers several key themes:

Promise of his return (John 14:1-15):

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2-3)

Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-26):

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16-17)

Promise of peace (John 14:27-31):

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

Note that John 14:31 ("Arise, let us go hence.") ends the actual Last Supper (excepting the final hymnal not mentioned by John), but Jesus continues with his Farewell Discourse while en route to Cedron in John 15-16.

The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-11):

Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and its branches to illustrate the disciples' dependence on him.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Love One Another (John 15:12-17):

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

The World's Hatred (John 15:18-16:4):

Jesus warns his disciples about the world's opposition:

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18)

The Work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15):

Jesus elaborates on the role of the Holy Spirit:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)

Sorrow Will Turn to Joy (John 16:16-24):

Jesus prepares them for his death and resurrection:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. (John 16:20)

Overcoming the World (John 16:25-33):

Jesus concludes with words of encouragement:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

This extensive discourse provides deep spiritual truths and reassurances to the disciples. Jesus prepares them for the challenges ahead, promises the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and assures them of ultimate victory. These teachings have continued to provide comfort and direction for believers throughout Christian history.

11. Final Instructions and Departure

Before leaving, Jesus gave final instructions to his disciples, preparing them for the challenges ahead.

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. (Luke 22:36-37)

This instruction about taking a sword was likely metaphorical, emphasizing the difficult times ahead. The evening concluded with the singing of a hymn and their departure to the Mount of Olives. This was not the Passover meal which took place the following evening, Jesus absent, it having been prepared on the Thursday of the Cross.

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30)

Was the Last Supper the Passover Meal?

The relationship between the Last Supper and the Passover feast has long been a topic of scholarly debate. While tradition has often equated the Last Supper with the formal Passover "seder" meal, a closer examination of the biblical accounts and historical context suggests a more nuanced understanding.

Timing of the Last Supper

Rather than taking place concurrently with the Passover observances, the Last Supper may have occurred a day earlier, as the disciples were making preparations for the Passover meal that would traditionally happen the following evening. This timing would align the crucifixion of Jesus, the "true Passover Lamb," with the slaughter of the Passover lambs in Jerusalem.

Atmosphere of the Last Supper

Notably, the Gospels describe an atmosphere at the Last Supper that seems at odds with the solemn Passover celebration. The disciples were engaged in an argument about who would be the greatest, hardly the reverent tone one would expect for the Passover seder. This suggests the Last Supper may not have been the formal Passover meal itself.

Disciples' Expectations

Furthermore, the disciples appear to have been unaware of Jesus' impending crucifixion, even though he had forewarned them. Their expectations were still focused on the Passover festivities, rather than the dramatic events that were about to unfold.

Insufficient Time

Was there enough time planned for in the process of cooking the Passover lamb? They apparently assembled the goods the day before the Cross, preparing to cook the lamb on the "preparation" of the meal during the daytime hours of the Cross.

The Passover Meal was as yet Uneaten on the Day of the Cross

Perhaps one of the most compelling endorsements of the Passover meal being planned for as scheduled later on the evening of the Cross:

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. (John 18:28, KJV)

Jesus is Crucified on the Preparation of the Passover

And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! (John 19:14, KJV)

Why would that day have been called "the preparation" if it had already taken place the previous evening? This is yet another clear scripture.

Absence of the Passover Lamb

Notably, the Gospels do not mention the presence of a Passover lamb at the Last Supper, which would have been a central element of the traditional seder meal. This further casts doubt on the idea that the Last Supper was a full Passover celebration.

Reconciling the Accounts

By considering the Last Supper as a pre-Passover meal, where Jesus lamented his desire to celebrate the Passover with his disciples but knew his sacrifice would cut it short, we can better reconcile the details in the biblical accounts with the historical and cultural context of Passover observances.

A Normal Meal for the Disciples

Some scholars have suggested the Last Supper may have simply been a regular, everyday meal for the disciples, rather than a formal Passover celebration. This would be consistent with the disciples' apparent lack of awareness about Jesus' impending crucifixion, as well as the casual atmosphere described, with the argument over who would be the greatest. The humble setting and provisions may have reflected the poverty and simple means of the disciples.

The Travel Restrictions

A key challenge in equating the Last Supper with the Passover seder is the fact that the four Gospels each describe Jesus and the disciples leaving the meal location and travelling (Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26, Luke 22:39, John 14:31c), which would have violated the travel restrictions associated with the Passover. According to Mosaic law, participants in the Passover meal were required to remain in their homes until the following morning (Exodus 12:22). But, the re-enactment of blood on the doorposts is not required, neither are the travel restrictions, so Jesus and his disciples did not sin in travelling to the Mount of Olives that night. So, this is a false solution and offers no insight as to the identity of the Last supper being the Passover Meal.

Other Considerations

Additionally, the Gospels do not provide the level of detail about Passover customs and rituals that one might expect if the Last Supper was indeed a full-fledged Passover seder. The focus seems to be more on the symbolic significance of the bread and wine, rather than a comprehensive account of a Passover celebration.

Conclusion

By considering the Last Supper as potentially a more informal, everyday meal for the disciples, rather than the formal Passover seder, a more nuanced understanding of this event emerges. The theological significance of Jesus as the "true Passover Lamb" whose sacrifice coincided with the Passover observances remains, but the exact nature of the Last Supper gathering may have been distinct from the traditional Seder meal.

The relationship between the Last Supper and the Passover feast is complex, and the traditional association may not fully align with the nuances present in the Gospel narratives. A more careful examination of the textual and historical evidence suggests the Last Supper was a distinct event, closely connected to but not necessarily identical with the Passover celebration.

The Last Supper, far more than just a meal, was a transformative event that bridged the Old and New Testaments. Through symbolic acts and profound teachings, Jesus prepared his disciples for the tumultuous events to come and laid the groundwork for the Christian church. The institution of the Eucharist, the washing of the disciples' feet, the prediction of betrayal and denial, and the promise of the Holy Spirit all underscore the theological richness of this event. Moreover, Jesus' final discourse provided comfort and guidance that would sustain his followers through the dark days ahead and for generations to come. The Last Supper thus serves as a poignant reminder of Christ's sacrificial love, his servanthood, and his enduring presence with his people. Its significance continues to resonate in Christian worship and theology, inviting believers to remember Christ's death, celebrate his resurrection, and anticipate his return. As we reflect on the events of that night, we are challenged to embody the love, humility, and faith that Jesus exemplified and taught during his final hours with his disciples.

Text by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com). Placed in public domain at ultrafree.org. KJV text is used. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.