The Last Supper

Background Scripture: Luke 22:1-38; Exodus 12
Lesson Scripture: Luke 22:7-20

Introduction

We often sing about the blood of Christ that washes our sins away. Just before the Israelites left Egypt, God told them that if the blood of a slain lamb was sprinkled on their doorposts, their firstborn child would be saved. This prefigured the blood Jesus shed on Calvary for the salvation of all those who would believe in Him.

At the time of the Passover in Jerusalem, the apostles prepared a meal in the upper room of a house. After supper, Christ told them of the scourging and crucifixion that awaited Him. He revealed to them the solemn significance of his broken body and of the blood that would flow from his wounds.

Jesus washing the disciples’ feet portrays his submissive humility. It also shows us the fellowship He enjoyed with them. We long to be with them at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:6-9). What a reunion that will be!

Key Verse

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me (1 Cor. 11:24).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

In the social and spiritual events of life, the time comes when we must part. After we attend a wedding, spend time at a work project, or prepare to leave on a journey, we must say goodbye, accepting the parting as an inevitable consequence. As Christians, there is always hope that if we do not meet again on earth, we will meet in Heaven. When Christ told his disciples He was going to leave them, they were troubled. They had been blessed as they labored together for three years in the transition from the time of the law and the prophets to the time of the full dispensation of grace. What a unique privilege they had to be witnesses of the miraculous power of God through Christ as the dispensation of the gospel of salvation was beginning.

Even as the Israelites left Egypt on their exodus to an unknown country, the disciples were leaving their old life and embarking on a journey of faith. Jesus’s disciples were beginning a life of service in the spiritual kingdom of God. They were learning how the abounding mercy and grace of God was for whomsoever would believe (Rev. 3:20). Though at first they were slow to believe, we see later how they faithfully spread the gospel; many of them gave their lives for the faith.

The observance of this last legitimate Passover began with a meal. This would be Christ’s last supper with his disciples and the apostles’ last Passover with the Redeemer of the world. Preparations were made for this supper ahead of time without the disciples needing to furnish the room. So, the room being secured, they busied themselves preparing the meal.

Christ deeply desired to have this supper with his disciples. He explained how his body would be broken, signifying his death. He openly revealed that there was a betrayer among them, which filled them with questions as they asked, “Is it I?” He also confronted Peter about his denial of Jesus and how it would happen before the rooster would crow that night. A detail mentioned is that the disciples in their misconception placed two swords before Christ, and Jesus’s comment sounds as if He felt enough had been said. There was a sobriety among the disciples as they listened to Jesus.

The ritual of that Passover in Jerusalem and in every preceding year since the Israelites had left Egypt was held in strict observance regarding the lamb and the unleavened bread. Not a bone of the sacrificial lamb was to be broken in accordance with the prophecy of Christ—not a bone of his body would be broken. The lack of yeast in the unleavened bread reminded the Israelites of when they had hurriedly left Egypt. Perhaps the Israelites leaving Egypt symbolizes a seeking soul fleeing from his sins. Many times, the sin of hesitancy or procrastination discourages a convert or wayward soul from a full departure from “Egypt.”

Jesus’s last words to his disciples were to go into the whole world and preach the gospel. We, too, are witnesses of what the broken body of Christ means and does for us. His testament defining our atonement was complete as He spilled his blood in anguish as a God-forsaken soul hanging on a cross between two thieves. God instructs us through his still, small voice and the Holy Bible to tell others what He has done for us and to teach them about the love of God.

Practical Truths for Today

In most cases, mealtime brings an atmosphere of goodwill. It opens avenues for beneficial dialogue and mutual considerations. Businessmen often use a lunch or dinner to make a deal because of the relaxed social setting.

The Last Supper was not a business deal, nor was it intended for any financial profit; rather, it memorialized the past and set a spiritual standard for the future. In this blessed occasion, Christ instituted a special spiritual ordinance. It also served as a short but emphatic teaching of the significance of the cleansing necessary for a life of service.

The disciples did not know what lay ahead for them, but we see their humility in their transparency and willingness for candid self-examination as they asked, “Is it I?” The apostolic church has always maintained a thorough examination of one’s heart before partaking of Communion even as the apostles did at the Last Supper. Partaking of the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth is very pertinent to our spiritual health (1 Cor. 5:7-8).

The Last Supper contributed to a fellowship unknown to former generations. The full impact of this meeting would not be realized by the disciples until after Christ’s redemptive work was accomplished. Observing this ordinance helps us remember Christ’s suffering on our behalf.

When we observe Holy Communion with the brotherhood at home or abroad, we experience a bond of charity that unites us together. It is a closer bond than found in any other institution or organization. This bond includes a voluntary opening of one’s life. When we express to the congregation the struggles, victories, and challenges we have in the vicissitudes of life, we are encouraged on our journey. It is because Jesus Christ shed his blood for us that we can be spiritual brethren.

What a privilege it is to keep this ordinance alive in a loving relationship with our brethren until the marriage supper of the Lamb! There, together with our loving Father, his beloved Son, and the host ransomed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we will commune at the banquet table in perfection.

Questions

1. What is the most inspiring part for you in the way the church practices Holy Communion?
2. What are ways to discern the Lord’s body when partaking of the bread?
3. When partaking of Communion, usually the one passing the cup and the bread says something like this: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” (1 Cor. 10:16). What is the meaning of these statements?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).