The Last Supper

Matthew 26:26-28 ESV

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.” And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”

Although this was not the typical time for the Passover meal, Jesus knew that at the time of killing the sacrificial lambs on Friday, that at the same time that He would be hanging on the cross. So, He had the meal early to commemorate the Passover with His disciples and to give them His last instructions.

As the Passover blood on the doorposts in Egypt kept the death angel from taking the Israelites first born, so Jesus’s blood cleanses and protects us from judgment. The breaking of the bread symbolized the brokenness of Jesus’s body for all mankind. Jesus often referred to himself as the “bread of life,” indicating He provides spiritual sustenance for us. In taking communion, we commemorate His suffering, death, and His resurrection. Jesus is not just having a meal to say goodbye, He is celebrating the Passover, God’s deliverance, and giving them a mandate to follow after He goes back to the Father. After this especially important meal, He will teach them one of the greatest lessons that we can learn, how to have a servants heart.

Prayer:

Lord, Thank You for this communion that we receive to remember Your suffering and brokenness for our redemption, and salvation by Your blood. You always know the paths that we are on and that night, at the Passover, You sat before twelve men that were as far different as the east is from the west. You brought them together in duty and in power but most of all in love. Even though Judas was a traitor, You gave him the opportunity for salvation as well, that is a loving Savior and Lord. Thank You Jesus, Amen!