The Last Supper is a key event in Christianity, filled with deep significance and rich meaning. Jesus’ celebration of this meal was not merely a tradition but a fulfillment of prophecy, an establishment of a new covenant, and a demonstration of His love and service. Held during the Passover, which commemorated Israel’s liberation from Egypt, the Last Supper linked themes of sacrifice and redemption to Jesus’ impending death. He saw Himself as the ultimate Passover Lamb, offering salvation to all through His sacrifice. The Last Supper also marked the institution of Communion, a lasting ordinance for believers to remember His body and blood, symbolizing the new way of relating to God through Jesus’ sacrifice.
This profound moment was also a preparation for Jesus’ departure, teaching His disciples about love, humility, and service. He demonstrated servant leadership by washing their feet and encouraged them to love one another as He had loved them. To understand why Jesus celebrated the Last Supper is to appreciate the deeper connection it creates between believers and the promises of salvation. For a more in-depth exploration of its significance, keep reading and discover how this moment shapes our faith and calls us to follow Jesus’ example.
The Last Supper is one of the most significant events in the Christian faith. It’s a moment filled with profound meaning and purpose. Understanding why Jesus celebrated the Last Supper can deepen your faith and give you a greater appreciation for this pivotal moment. So, let’s explore why Jesus celebrated the Last Supper, what it meant then, and what it means for us today.
The Significance of the Passover
To understand why Jesus celebrated the Last Supper, you first need to understand the Passover. The Passover was a Jewish festival that commemorated Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt. This event is detailed in Exodus 12:1-14, where God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act would save them from the final plague that struck Egypt, the death of the firstborn.
By Jesus’ time, the Passover had been celebrated for centuries. It was a time for Jews to remember God’s deliverance and faithfulness. The Last Supper took place during this festival, linking it directly to the themes of sacrifice, deliverance, and redemption.
Jesus, the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus’ celebration of the Last Supper was not random. He was fulfilling prophecies and establishing a new covenant. In Isaiah 53, the prophet speaks of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. Jesus saw Himself as this servant, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
By celebrating the Last Supper, Jesus was showing His disciples that He was the ultimate Passover Lamb. His impending death on the cross would bring about the ultimate deliverance from sin and death, a new exodus for all humanity.
Establishing the New Covenant
One of the central reasons Jesus celebrated the Last Supper was to establish the new covenant between God and humanity. In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God promises a new covenant that will not be like the old one made with their ancestors. This new covenant would be written on their hearts and minds.
During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Then He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20).
Here, Jesus was instituting a new way of relating to God. Through His sacrifice, believers would have direct access to God, and their sins would be forgiven once and for all. The bread and wine symbolized His body and blood, which would be given for the salvation of many.
A Demonstration of Love and Service
The Last Supper was also a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ love and service. In John 13:1-17, we read about Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. This act was usually reserved for the lowest servant, yet Jesus, their teacher and Lord, took on this humble task.
By washing their feet, Jesus was teaching His disciples about the importance of humility and service. He said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). This lesson of servant leadership is central to the Christian faith and was exemplified by Jesus throughout His ministry.
Preparing the Disciples for His Departure
Another reason Jesus celebrated the Last Supper was to prepare His disciples for His impending death and resurrection. Jesus knew that His time with them was drawing to a close, and He wanted to equip them for what was to come.
In John 14-17, often referred to as the Farewell Discourse, Jesus provides comfort and instruction to His disciples. He promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would guide and empower them after His departure. He also encourages them to remain in His love and to love one another as He has loved them.
By sharing this meal and His final teachings, Jesus was preparing His disciples for the mission ahead. He was ensuring that they understood the significance of His death and the new life that His resurrection would bring.
Instituting a Lasting Ordinance
The Last Supper wasn’t just a one-time event. Jesus intended it to be a lasting ordinance for His followers. He commanded His disciples to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). This act of remembrance is what Christians today know as Communion or the Eucharist.
By partaking in Communion, believers are reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice and the new covenant He established. It’s a time to reflect on His love, grace, and the redemption He offers. Communion is a powerful reminder of the unity we have with Christ and with each other as members of His body.
Conclusion
In celebrating the Last Supper, Jesus was doing far more than sharing a meal with His disciples. He was fulfilling ancient prophecies, establishing a new covenant, demonstrating love and service, preparing His disciples for the future, and instituting a lasting ordinance for His followers.
Understanding why Jesus celebrated the Last Supper can deepen your appreciation for this profound event. It’s a reminder of His incredible love and the lengths He went to bring about our salvation. As you reflect on the Last Supper, let it inspire you to live out the lessons Jesus taught and to remain connected to Him through the practice of Communion.
FAQs About the Last Supper
What is the Last Supper?
The Last Supper is the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. It’s described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. During this meal, Jesus instituted the practice of Communion and provided important teachings to His disciples.
Why did Jesus celebrate the Last Supper during Passover?
Jesus celebrated the Last Supper during Passover to connect His sacrifice with the Jewish festival commemorating Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This highlighted Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice would bring deliverance from sin and death.
What is the significance of the bread and wine?
During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine and gave them new meaning. The bread symbolized His body, which would be broken for humanity, and the wine symbolized His blood, which would be shed to establish a new covenant between God and humanity.
What is the new covenant Jesus established?
The new covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, is a new relationship between God and humanity based on Jesus’ sacrifice. It promises forgiveness of sins and a direct, personal relationship with God, written on believers’ hearts and minds.
Why did Jesus wash His disciples’ feet?
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to demonstrate humility and service. This act, usually reserved for the lowest servant, taught His disciples about servant leadership and the importance of serving others.
What was Jesus preparing His disciples for during the Last Supper?
Jesus was preparing His disciples for His impending death, resurrection, and the mission they would undertake after His departure. He provided comfort, instruction, and promised the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower them.
What is the practice of Communion or the Eucharist?
Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is a Christian practice instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper. Believers partake in bread and wine (or juice) to remember Jesus’ sacrifice, reflect on His grace, and celebrate the new covenant. It’s a time of unity with Christ and with other believers.
How does the Last Supper impact Christians today?
The Last Supper holds significant meaning for Christians today. It reminds believers of Jesus’ sacrifice, the new covenant, and the call to love and serve others. The practice of Communion is a regular act of worship and remembrance in many Christian traditions.
Where can I read about the Last Supper in the Bible?
You can read about the Last Supper in the following passages:
- Matthew 26:17-30
- Mark 14:12-26
- Luke 22:7-23
- John 13:1-17 (focuses on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet)
Why is the Last Supper called the Last Supper?
It’s called the Last Supper because it was the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. It marks the end of His earthly ministry and the beginning of the events leading to His death and resurrection.
