Last Supper of Jesus Christ

The Last Supper of Jesus Christ – Preparation and Communion

Last Supper of Jesus Christ
The Last Supper of Jesus Christ – Communion

What do you think of when “The Last Supper” is mentioned?

As I do many times, you could be imagining the famous painting by Da Vinci.

Am I right?

But, it’s so much more.

In fact, this part of the Easter story as told by Mark remains one of the most recognized events in the timeline leading up to the crucifixion of Christ.

The last supper is known by Christians of all denominations and even many non-believers.

So, let’s take a moment to study the meaning of the Last Supper and, more importantly, what it means to us personally.

First, comes the preparation…

Disciples Prepare for the Passover in Mark

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’

And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.” The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover. – Mark 14:12-16

The 12 Disciples make Preparation for the Last Supper

Before  the event, the disciples begin the preparation.

They had no idea of what was coming in just a short while. They were not aware that Judas decided to betray Jesus.

So, the feast is made ready.

Tradition of Passover

Jesus sent Peter and John (Luke 22:8) into town to prepare for the Passover meal.

Jewish customs were very strict in the way food was prepared so the two disciples would have to:

  • Set the table,
  • prepare the Passover lamb
  • and buy unleavened bread among other food and drink.

The preparation was just like any other in the Jewish tradition. But, this Passover would become known as “The Last Supper.”

The Last Supper of Jesus Christ – Communion

When it was evening He came with the twelve.

As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.”

They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?”

And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.

For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!

It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

The Lord’s Supper

While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.”

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.

Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” – Mark 14:17-26

Communion

Our church holds communion service periodically as most Christian churches do.

We take the small piece of bread (or cracker) and drink the grape juice. But truthfully, sometimes our minds are on other matters.

This study lesson shows what Jesus knew would happen on that night of the feast.

Judgment

Oh how easy it is for us to judge others.

My favorite mentor, Zig Ziglar used to say;

We judge others differently than we judge ourselves.

So true!

We can read this passage of Scripture and condemn Judas for betraying Christ.

And, this is with good reason too – It was a terrible thing to do.

Do We Ever Deny Christ?

Now, let’s examine our own lives.

It is equally as much of a denial of Jesus when we profess to be Christians–and then live our lives no different from people who do not profess the faith.

We deny Christ when our actions are different from what we say we believe.

If we proclaim that we follow the commandments of Christ by loving God with all our hearts and all our strength and all our minds and, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and then do something to harm..

  • our neighbor,
  • spouse,
  • friend,
  • family,
  • or fellow Christians,

We deny Christ just as Judas did.

Examination

As we study this Easter story, let’s take a second look at our lives through the eyes of others and ask;

“Are my daily actions (not what I do on Sunday) glorifying God? Or, am I denying Him the glory He deserves?”

Our Preparation for Easter (not the bunny)

Last Supper of Jesus Christ
We deny Christ when our actions are different from what we say we believe.

In the days to come our study lessons will be covering the rest of the events leading up to Easter Sunday; the day Jesus rose from the tomb.

Please read and study the upcoming Easter passages to better understand what Jesus went through in order to save you and I from our sins.

I’ll close this lesson with a quote from Jim Daly about the turmoil in our country:

For those who may question why God allows suffering, I encourage them to look to the cross.

Love in Christ

– Bob

If you have never made the commitment to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here and take the first steps.