What did Jesus say at the Last Supper?
At the Last Supper, Jesus said to the disciples, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15). He then went on to institute the Christian Eucharist, or Communion. He then said to his disciples: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). As he took bread and then the cup of wine, Jesus offered a New Covenant to his disciples, saying “Drink from 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). He also said to them: “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me” (John 13:21).
Last Supper in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew
The Bible accounts of the Last Supper, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew (Matthew 26:17-30), Mark (Mark 14:12-26), and Luke (Luke 22:14-38), all give some details about Jesus’ last supper. In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus was seated with his 12 disciples at the Passover meal. He said to his disciples: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says to the disciples: “Take, eat; this is my body.” In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray him.
Implications of the Last Supper
The Last Supper is an important event in the Christian faith because it marks the New Covenant between Jesus and his followers. It also marks Jesus’ commitment to his own suffering and death. The Last Supper brings together the themes of love, sacrifice and new beginnings that are present in the Christian gospel. It is also seen as important because it allows people to remember Jesus’ suffering and the cost of their own redemption.
Last Supper in Art and Literature
The Last Supper has been depicted in art and literature since early Christian times. One of the most famous depictions is Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper. Also, since the last supper is such an important event, it has also featured in many books and films, such as The Last Supper (1995) by Carl Theodor Dreyer and Jesus of Nazareth (1977) by Franco Zeffirelli.
Meaning of the Last Supper for Believers
For believers, the importance of the Last Supper lies in Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice himself for the redemption of humanity. The Last Supper reminds believers of their need to follow Jesus and to love one another as he loved them. It also provides a reminder of Jesus’ promises that he will be with them, even in times of difficulty.
Significance of The Last Supper
The Last Supper has a significant meaning to Christians both today and in the past. It is one of the most important events in the Christian faith and provides believers with a tangible reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection. For many believers, it is a symbol of hope and a reminder that they can gain strength and peace by following Jesus’ teachings.
The Last Supper in Jewish Tradition
The Last Supper also holds significant meaning for Jewish people today. It is seen as a reminder of God’s love and faithfulness to his people. In Jewish tradition, the Last Supper also serves as an example of humility and of trusting in God. The Last Supper also symbolizes the importance of spending quality time with family and friends and of living out one’s faith.
Scriptural References to the Last Supper
The Last Supper is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as in the Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The most complete account of the Last Supper is found in the Gospel of Luke. This account emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ words and actions during the Last Supper and the importance of remembering Jesus in the Communion.
Theological Interpretations of the Last Supper
Theologians have interpreted the meaning of the Last Supper in many different ways. Some see it as a symbol of Jesus’ love for his disciples and for all humanity. Others see it as a reminder that Jesus’ death was necessary for the forgiveness of sins. Still others see the Last Supper as a reminder of the New Covenant between God and his people.
Historical Context Surrounding the Last Supper
The Last Supper took place in the context of the Passover celebrations. It was a time of remembrance and celebration of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. At the time of the Last Supper, Jesus and the disciples had been to Jerusalem several times and were preparing to celebrate the Passover there.
Differences between Traditional and Reformed Views on the Last Supper
There are some differences between traditional and reformed views on the Last Supper. In traditional Christianity, the Last Supper is seen as a sacrificial meal, a remembrance observance, and a symbol of the new covenant between God and his people. In the reformed tradition, the Last Supper is seen as a memorial observance, a symbolic meal and as an expression of the Christian community’s unity.
Rituals Related to the Last Supper
The rituals related to the Last Supper vary from one denomination to another. Catholics, for example, observe the Eucharistic celebration in which the bread and the wine are consecrated and consumed. In the Protestant churches, Communion is usually celebrated using a shared cup of wine or juice and a plate of unleavened bread.
Biblical Passages About the Last Supper
The Bible provides several different versions of the account of the Last Supper. These can be found in the Gospels of Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:14-38, and John 13:21-30. In addition to these, the details of Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist can be found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Memorializing the Last Supper
The Last Supper is memorialized in many different ways. For example, many churches have special services around Easter which include readings from the gospels, Communion and a meal reminiscent of the Last Supper. In some churches, there may also be a re-enactment of the Last Supper. Additionally, in Catholic churches, statues of Jesus at the Last Supper are often seen.
