The Last Supper occurred on the day before Passover with Jesus and all His disciples. It would be their last meal together, and Jesus would give new meaning to this ancient celebration. Jesus had celebrated Passover many times, but this time would be different.
The Passover meal was a time of remembrance God instituted when the Israelites became free from slavery in Egypt. The Lord was sending the tenth plague, the plague of the firstborn, to Egypt. The Lord gave instructions to the people through Moses to protect His people.
The Israelites were to sacrifice a one-year-old lamb or goat without defect placing its blood over the sides and tops of the doorframes of their homes. They were to do this on the fourteenth day of the first month. Each year the Israelites celebrated Passover as they looked forward to the coming of the Messiah.
The Last Supper Points to Jesus’ Sacrifice
John calls Jesus the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world before His baptism. Now three years later, what John said was going to come true. Jesus would be the final, all-sufficient sacrifice. He died to pay the price for the world’s sins during the season of Passover. Jesus’ death as our sacrifice on the cross would be the most important day in human history as our sacrifice.
Jesus’ sacrifice would allow our sins to be forgiven and let us come to faith and become children of God. The impact of what Jesus was about to do would forever defeat sin, death, and the devil. It would be a great victory. Think how Jesus’ sacrifice has impacted your life.
Mark 14:22 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it, for this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. [1]
Jesus’ Sacrifice Brings You Forgiveness
Although we all need food, water, and shelter, our greatest spiritual need is forgiveness. You may be carrying a significant burden today of sin, and the Lord is calling you to take that weight of sin and lay it at the foot of the cross. Psalm 86:5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. [2]
When I confess my sin and the Lord forgives me, something happens in the spiritual realm that transforms my heart. Forgiveness of our sins and placing our faith in Jesus as our Savior give us a different outlook on life. Life is no longer about me but about living a life that builds the Kingdom of God. A forgiving life changes me and allows me to be a blessing to everyone the Lord brings into my life.
To learn more about the Last Supper, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-a-table-in-presence-of-enemies
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 14:22–24). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 86:5). Tyndale House Publishers.