What is the Last Supper and why is it significant?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Last Supper, recorded in the New Testament, was a Passover meal where Jesus shared a significant moment with His disciples before His crucifixion (Luke 22:15). This meal took place during the Jewish tradition of Passover, where God spared the Israelites from the plague of the firstborn by the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12). Jesus transformed this tradition by instituting the Lord's Supper, symbolizing His body given for humanity's redemption (Matthew 26:26). He also introduced the new covenant, fulfilling God's promise of forgiveness and reconciliation (Jeremiah 31:31–34). Today, the church commemorates these things through Communion, affirming Christ's sacrificial love both individually and corporately and pointing us to His sure return (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:26).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Last Supper is recorded in the New Testament, but the Last Supper was a Passover meal. Just prior to the Exodus, God had warned the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and paint the door frames of their houses with its blood so He would "pass over" their house, thereby sparing them from the plague of the killing of the firstborn (Exodus 12). Each year, Jews celebrate this event with a Passover meal and the seven-day Festival of Unleavened Bread.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The term "Last Supper" refers to the final meal Jesus ate with His disciples before His trial and death on the cross. The Bible tells us that this meal was also a Passover dinner (Luke 22:15). God commanded that every year Jewish people commemorate the miracle of Passover when He spared the lives of their firstborn and freed them from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12).
• Jesus entered Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and said to His disciples, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer" (Luke 22:15). The Jews understood this meal to represent when and how God had redeemed them from slavery and brought them to freedom, but Jesus was looking forward to adding new meaning and significance to this meal.
• Before the meal, Jesus humbled Himself as a respected rabbi (teacher) by performing the servant's role of washing the disciples' feet. Afterward, He said, "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you" (John 13:15). Later, He added, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34).
• During the meal, Jesus took unleavened bread and said, "Take, eat; this is my body" (Matthew 26:26), symbolizing his body given up for humanity. Jesus would sacrificially provide Himself for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity.
• Then Jesus "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'" (Matthew 26:27–28). About six hundred years earlier, God had promised a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31–34, so when Jesus said He was instituting this new covenant, His disciples understood the reference. In the new covenant, God had promised, "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more" (Jeremiah 31:34). Referring to the new covenant and the forgiveness of sins, Jesus was showing that His death on the cross would bring forgiveness.
• Just as the Passover lamb's blood on the door frames protected the Israelites from the death of the firstborn and ultimately brought Israel to freedom, so, too, Christ's blood protects us from eternal death and brings us freedom in our relationship with God. That is why Paul refers to Jesus as "our Passover lamb [who] has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The church continues to commemorate this Last Supper and the institution of the new covenant by celebrating the Lord's Supper or Communion. Jesus told His disciples to "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Paul explains, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). Communion reminds us that Jesus' blood is what brings forgiveness for our sins. His Last Supper on the night of Passover is a physical illustration of when and how God made it possible for not only the Jewish people, but all people to be redeemed and set free.

Taking Communion is important both individually and corporately. Individually, it serves as a personal moment of reflection and renewal, allowing believers to examine their relationship with God and their commitment to follow Christ. It's a time to confess sins, seek forgiveness, and recommit to living in accordance with God's will. It causes us to remember the sacrifice Christ gave on our behalf, and it points us to Him as the Bread of Life and the Passover Lamb.

Corporately, Communion fosters unity among believers as they participate together in remembering Jesus' sacrifice. It reinforces the shared faith and identity of the church community, emphasizing the communal aspect of salvation and the body of Christ. It also unites us in awaiting for the Lord's return, anticipating the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. Both individually and corporately, Communion focuses on the hope of redemption for all believers.

UNDERSTAND

• The Last Supper was a Passover meal, connecting Jesus to the Jewish commemoration of their deliverance.
• Jesus instituted Communion, symbolizing His sacrifice with bread as His body and wine as His blood.
• The Last Supper is observed by the church to remember the new covenant that was established with Christ’s sacrifice and to await His return when we will one day partake together with Him.

REFLECT

• How does understanding the Last Supper as a Passover meal deepen your appreciation for Jesus' role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies?
• How does participating in Communion impact your daily life and relationship with God?
• Reflect on Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet at the Last Supper. How does this humble act challenge your perspective on serving others?

ENGAGE

• What is the significance in Jesus choosing the Passover meal to institute Communion? How does this connect to His mission and identity as the Messiah?
• What does the new covenant mean for Christians today? How does it influence our understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation with God?
• How does Communion foster unity in relationship and purpose within the church community?