The Last Supper and Its Meaning

Preparing the Passover Meal (Mark 14)

The time had come for Jesus to celebrate the Passover with His disciples. The Passover was a significant Jewish feast, remembering God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It was a time to recall God’s great act of salvation and to partake in a meal that had deep spiritual meaning. Jesus was about to give this meal a new and even more profound significance.

Jesus sent two of His disciples, Peter and John, to prepare the Passover meal. He instructed them to follow a man carrying a water pot and ask the owner of the house he entered for the room where they would share the meal. This meal would be special, as it would be Jesus’ last supper with His disciples before His crucifixion.

Jerusalem was crowded with people for the Passover, and Jesus knew His enemies were searching for an opportunity to arrest Him. He needed a private place to share this important meal with His disciples. Little did they know that this meal would become a lasting symbol of His sacrifice for them and for all humanity.

Looking After Others: Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet (John 13)

As they gathered for the meal, the disciples were preoccupied with their own status and importance, and no one was willing to take on the humble task of washing the feet of the others. The roads were dusty, and it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of guests. But no one wanted to take that position. So, Jesus Himself rose from the table, took a towel, and began to wash His disciples’ feet, one by one.

This act of humility shocked His disciples. Peter even tried to resist, but Jesus explained, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” By washing their feet, Jesus was not only serving them, but teaching them a powerful lesson about humility, love, and serving one another. He said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

The Passover Meal: A New Covenant (John 13; Mark 14)

As they shared the meal, Jesus revealed something that would forever change the way His followers would view the world and their relationship with Him. He took the bread, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” He then took the cup of wine and said, “This is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Jesus was instituting what we now call the Lord’s Supper or Communion. The bread symbolized His body, which would soon be broken on the cross, and the wine symbolized His blood, which would be poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This meal became a new way for Jesus’ followers to remember His ultimate sacrifice and the new covenant He was making with them and with the world.

Preparing the Disciples for the Coming Trials (Mark 14; John 13, 14, 16)

After the meal, Jesus continued to prepare His disciples for what was to come. He told them that all of them would desert Him, even though they had pledged to stand by Him. Peter, ever bold, insisted that he would never deny Jesus, but Jesus foretold that before the rooster crowed the next morning, Peter would deny Him three times.

Despite this, Jesus reassured them: “Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” He spoke of His departure and promised them that He would not leave them alone. He would send the Holy Spirit, a Helper, who would guide them and bring to their remembrance all that He had taught them.

Jesus also spoke of the peace He would leave with them, a peace that was not like the peace the world offers. His peace would strengthen and comfort them, even in the midst of trials and challenges. Despite the uncertainty and fear that lay ahead, He assured them that He was the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one could come to the Father except through Him.

The Disciples’ Confusion and Assurance (John 14)

When Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This powerful declaration revealed that Jesus Himself was the only path to salvation and that through Him, they could be reconciled to God.

As the evening drew to a close, Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn and left the room, heading toward the garden of Gethsemane. The disciples, though filled with confusion and sorrow, were about to witness the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission. His sacrifice would bring salvation to the world, and the gift of the Holy Spirit would empower them to carry on His work.

The Last Supper was a turning point in the story of Jesus and His disciples. It marked the beginning of a new covenant, where Jesus, through His sacrifice, would bring forgiveness and eternal life to all who trust in Him. The lessons of love, humility, and service that He imparted during this meal continue to shape the lives of His followers to this day.