The significance of the last supper

The Last Supper holds profound significance within Christian theology, serving as the foundation for the Communion and encapsulating key aspects of Jesus' ministry and sacrificial love. This event, recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, and Luke 22:7-38) and referenced in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 by the Apostle Paul, occurred on the eve of the Passover. During this meal, Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples, establishing a new covenant and foreshadowing His imminent death on the cross (stake).

Institution of the Emblems (Bread and Wine)

The central element of the Last Supper is Jesus' institution of the emblems. Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "Take, eat; this is My body." Then, taking the cup of wine, He gave thanks and said, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:26-28). Through these actions, Jesus established a ritual for His followers to remember His sacrifice. The breaking of the bread symbolizes Jesus' body, broken for humanity, and the cup represents His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins.

Fulfillment of the Passover

The Last Supper's timing during Passover is significant. Passover commemorates the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery, marked by the blood of the lamb on their doorposts, which spared them from the plague of the firstborn (Exodus 12). Jesus, often referred to as the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), chose the Passover meal to reveal His role as the ultimate sacrifice, liberating humanity from the bondage of sin. Just as the lamb's blood signified salvation for the Israelites, Jesus' blood establishes a new covenant for the forgiveness of sins for all who believe in Him.

A New Commandment

During the Last Supper, Jesus also issued a new commandment to His disciples, underscoring the importance of love and service. John 13:34-35 records Jesus saying, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." This commandment, given in the context of Jesus washing the disciples' feet (a task typically performed by servants), illustrates the depth of love and humility that should characterize His followers.

Anticipation of the Kingdom of God

The Last Supper also looks forward to the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God. Luke 22:18 records Jesus saying, "For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." This statement points to the future consummation of the Kingdom when Jesus will return and establish His eternal reign. Communion, therefore, is not only a memorial of Christ's past sacrifice but also an anticipation of the future feast in the Kingdom of God, where believers will be reunited with Christ.

Conclusion

The Last Supper is a multifaceted event that encapsulates the essence of Christian faith: the sacrificial love of Jesus, the establishment of a new covenant through His blood, and the call to live out His commandment of love. It serves as the theological foundation for the practice of Communion, a ceremony that commemorates Jesus' sacrifice and celebrates the hope of His return. Through the Last Supper, believers are invited to partake in the mystery of faith, remembering Christ's death, proclaiming His resurrection, and awaiting His coming in glory.