I’ve been contemplating how Jesus instituted the Last Supper Communion. I was raised in a church that celebrated communion every week. A deep solemnness was instilled in me regarding celebrating communion. It was a time for reflection- of ourselves and Jesus’ sacrifice.
History of Communion
But let’s see how that Last Supper Communion transpired, and what Jesus had to say about why he wanted us to celebrate communion. Luke’s gospel (Chapter 22) gives us the best look at the Last Supper.
Passover Preparations
It was Passover, and preparations were needed. A lamb needed to be purchased and prepared, as well as unleavened bread, herbs, wine, etc.
Disciples Prepare for Passover
Jesus tells Peter and John to “go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover” (v8.) When they ask where to have supper, Jesus tells them, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, “The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there”( v10.)
My first thought when reading that was how were they ever going to find this guy carrying a water jar? I’m sure Jerusalem was bustling with many, many people all making the same preparations. How in the world would they find this one guy?
My commentary had the answer- men don’t typically carry jars of water- that was “women’s work”. So I guess he would have stood out in the crowd.
The other thought that struck me was the disciple’s reaction to Jesus’ instructions. They totally trusted him even though they didn’t have a clue as to how it was all arranged. But at this point, how many miracles and foreknowledge had they been privy to? Enough to not ask questions when he spoke.
It brings to mind the last sentence (v25) of John’s gospel as he speaks of the works and words of Jesus- “If they were all written down, I suppose that the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
Even with their limited scope of who Jesus really was and his mission on earth, they knew he could be trusted. And they obeyed.
Celebrating the Last Supper Passover
As they begin their meal, Jesus tells them “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” (v15) Why was he “eager”? Surely he knew what he was facing; he tells them he will suffer. I doubt a prisoner faced with his last meal before execution “eagerly” waits for their meal.
In that upper room, only Jesus really understood what this Passover meal represented. All these years of celebrating Passover, sacrificing the spotless lamb, and humanity striving to become right with God by obeying laws were finally over. He was the spotless lamb. He’d be the sacrifice to atone for us. We could never do it on our own.
He could see beyond the crucifixion to heaven opened up for all. The plan has been in place for centuries since the Garden of Eden. Finally! The culmination of God’s plan was near. Was that why he was “eager’?
Symbols of Communion
Jesus gives us the symbols of this Last Supper Communion in vv19-20- “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant of my blood, which is poured out for you.”
The Old Testament covenant was fulfilled, not by lambs without blemish, but by a sinless Jesus. By his own words- “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”– John 15:13. Jesus died in place of me and you.
Related Post∼Jesus Revealed in the Tabernacle
He wants us to remember his great, unfathomable love for us when we celebrate communion. He believed we were worth all the suffering he endured.
Jesus values us- each one of us- that much. Take that thought in. Make it personal. Be inspired by it. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and made it possible for you to live in heaven forever.
Pin me for later!
Importance of Communion
Paul tells us that “everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” (Acts 2:28) Communion should never be just a ritual. It’s a celebration that we partake in as a direct request from Jesus when He initiated the Last Supper communion. Let’s always give it the reverence, the joy, and the thanksgiving Jesus intended.
Communion Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, we fall on our knees before you when we think of what you endured for us. We can’t fathom how deep your love is. I have two sons. I can’t imagine parting with either one of them for the sake of someone else. But you are God, and I am not. Your love is unlike any other. I think of all the love I have for my family and dear friends, and it pales in comparison.
Thank you for your saving grace to me. You did not suffer for our thanks, but my thanks come from deep in my heart. Let your love live there also, and help me to live a life that shares that love.
Amen
Blessings,
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.