The last week of Jesus' earthly life was drawing to a close. Several major events had occurred to Him up to this point. Now, one of the most important of them all was about to take place. The Last Supper is basically a description of the last meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His arrest and crucifixion.
The evening of preparation for the Jewish Passover was a very holy time for the Jewish nation (Deuteronomy 16: 1-8). It was observed in remembrance of the time God spared the Jews from the horrible plague of death of the first born in Egypt (Exodus 11:5). It was on this evening that the Last Supper was held. Therefore, it was a Passover meal as well.
The dinner was purposely arranged by Jesus. He carefully instructed His disciples where to hold it (Luke 22: 7-13). All twelve of His disciples were with Him both during, and after the meal. This was a crucial time during the ministry of Jesus Christ.
His enemies were planning His betrayal and death. Jesus was well aware of what would soon take place (Mark 10:33). Within 24 hours, He will be crucified, and his disciples will scatter and hide in fear for their lives.
It was during this last gathering that some critical events took place; which are recorded in the Bible. According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus predicts that He will suffer shortly after this supper; and that it will be His last meal before finalizing His work on behalf of the kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16).
Next, Jesus presents His followers with symbolic remembrance of His sacrificial body and blood on behalf of all mankind (Luke 22:19). Additionally, Jesus shares a very important principle for living a Christian life: "the greatest are those who serve others, not those who expect to be served" (Luke 22:26). Lastly, He provides hope to his followers (Luke 22:29-30).
The events that take place after the Last Supper are most familiar to us. Jesus obediently, and of his free-will, allows himself to be arrested, tried, beaten, and then brutally sacrificed on a wooden cross. Why would He allow Himself to go through all of this? He did it to make things right between God and ourselves. He did this to pay the debt of our sins; each and every one of us.
There would be no way that you or I could ever do this on our own; none! He did this without any contracts, or obligations. He did this unconditionally. And, as simply as He had lived here among us on earth, he made a simple request. He asked that we remember this act of love that He performed for me and you.
Beloved, Jesus didn't have to go through any of this. He didn't have to experience our imperfect lives, as we do. And, He certainly didn't have to die for us. But, He did. He chose to do this because He values every single life here. Jesus wants to see each of us seated at His table, sharing a meal with Him someday.
Each one of us can apply the lessons that He taught at the Last Supper. We should try to live faithful lives by serving others in love. Scripture and history tell us that the truth of Christ's message has been set forth: we can join Jesus in Heaven by accepting His sacrifice, and allowing Him into our lives.
Scripture: Mark 14:24; John 14:6; Luke 22:17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25; John 3:16-17
Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, You sacrificed Yourself on my behalf without any hesitation; You took on all the sins that had weighed heavy on my heart and soul; and scrubbed me cleaner than new fallen snow; there is no way that I could ever repay this act of love from You; I am forever indebted to You. Amen
May God bless you!
Jillian
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