Day 3: The Last Supper
Matthew 26:17-30 (NIV) On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you; I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus and His friends celebrated the Passover meal to commemorate Israel’s escape from Egyptian slavery. This was a simple meal in remembrance of the Exodus, the time when the people of Israel were dramatically rescued from slavery in Egypt. By covering the doorposts of their dwellings with the blood taken from the broken bodies of slaughtered lambs, the Israelites were spared by an angel of death taking revenge on their Egyptian oppressors. Here, at the Last Supper, Jesus reimagined the Passover meal. He likened the bread and the wine they shared to His own body and blood. The bread was now His body, and the wine was His blood. He was preparing Himself for the ultimate Exodus through His death and resurrection for Israel and the whole world.
IN A NUTSHELL
Jesus took a piece of bread, gave a prayer of thanks, broke it and gave it to His disciples, “Take it,” He said, “This is my body which is given for you.” As human beings, we associate meals with remembrance. Some meals take us back to our childhood, while some remind us of lost loved ones. Others would also cast us back to moments of real celebration. God knows about this. He made us this way. And that’s why on the night He brought Israel out of Egypt, He made sure Israel would not have a ‘Take-out’. He prescribed a menu for a meal that they would never forget.
On the night that Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, He changed everything. The Passover would no longer be just in memory of Israel’s liberation from Egypt but also in memory of Him. He has become the Exodus. On the cross, the New Testament says, “Christ, our Passover lamb has been crucified” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Through a meal, God made sure Israel would not forget who they were.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, as I meditate on the profound moment of the Last Supper, I am moved by Your willingness to share Your final meal with those You loved, even as You faced immense suffering. At this table, You established a covenant, not just with those present, but with all who would believe in You, including me. Help me, Lord, to truly grasp the significance of the bread and the wine — symbols of Your body broken and Your blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. Teach me to cherish this new covenant and to live out its truths in every aspect of my life. As I continue in fasting and prayer, let this time be a reflection of that intimate supper. May my spirit be nourished by Your presence and Your word. Help me to commune deeply with You, to listen attentively, and to respond wholeheartedly. Thank You, Jesus, for this sacrificial love that covers me. May I always remember the cost of my freedom and the depth of Your grace. In Your holy and precious name, I pray, Amen.
APPLICATION
Have you forgotten your true identity? Regardless of how you feel, remind yourself that you are forgiven and set free because of what Jesus accomplished. Death passed through Him, so that it might pass over you, setting you free.
During the Last Supper, Jesus knew His disciples would face trials and deny Him, yet He loved them to the end. Examine your own heart for areas where fear might lead you to deny Christ. Ask for strength and courage to stand firm in your faith during challenging times.
Today, reflect on the times you might have felt betrayed or when you may have betrayed others, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Consider the grace Jesus showed even when He knew Judas would betray Him. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you, and seek forgiveness where you have caused pain.
Read on to find out more about Jesus’ Passover sacrifice:
The Passover – (Exodus 12)
The bread and the cup – (Mark 14:22-26)