As we draw closer to Easter, God keeps showing us why Lent is so important. Last week, we discovered the possibility of resurrection. This week, we find ourselves eating with Jesus at the Last Supper. These are the tenets of our faith, found in the last days of His life.
If you missed the previous week’s Lessons of Lent, check them out below;
- Week 1; Why is Lent so important?
- Week 2; Preparation
- Week 3: Give, Pray, Fast
- Week 4; The Transfiguration
- Week 5; Resurrection
As I set my own table tonight, I realize how special it is to gather around the table. Mealtime is one of my favorite family activities. Connecting over a meal brings us closer together. Jesus knew how precious these moments are. Because moments can become memories we cherish forever.
We pick up our story in Matthew, with the disciples preparing for their Last Supper. Gathering around their own table, Jesus created a moment of meaning that would have a lasting impact on us all. Digging into the text, we see God weaving a story from Old to New, which carries meaning right into our own lives today. In the midst of this traditional Passover meal, Jesus gives us one of our most sacred moments.
Communion.
For many, gathering around the table is not just a time to share a meal, it is a time to share our lives. The definition of communion is the sharing of intimate thoughts and feelings. As the disciples rushed to make their preparations, we rush to make ours. Because once we settle into our seats, we know this is our time. Graciously, we bow our heads and give thanks to the Lord. This is Eucharist.
Just like Passover was a way to remember, breaking bread is too. But Jesus knows this is no typical meal. He is about to take an old time tradition and give it new meaning. You just never know when a present moment will become a future memory that holds significance for the rest of your life.
Be present in every moment.
As we prepare and reflect on this Last Supper, let’s look at it from all four gospels.
Read each passage on your own. Go slow and allow God to give you new insight.
- Starting with Matthew 26:17-30. (Please read the scripture on your own before moving forward.)
In Matthew, we see the disciples, his friends, us, asking, “Where do you want us to make preparations to eat the Passover meal?” They had already learned to look to Jesus for the way. Jesus understood the importance of the details as they prepared to remember together.
- Read Mark 14:12-26.
In Mark’s gospel, he adds, “…when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb.” From the study notes, we also learn this is the day before Jesus is to be crucified. Mark eludes to Jesus being that sacrificial lamb, although the disciples do not realize it yet. Also, before the Israelites were freed from captivity, they had to sacrifice a lamb and put blood on the doorpost in order for the Angel of the Lord to “pass over” them (Exodus 12).
- Read Luke 22:1-46.
Luke adds, “Then came the day…the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.” Had to be. God is preparing Jesus, the disciples and us for what is next. Just like The Spirit led Jesus into wilderness for a purpose, the Last Supper was preparation for the fulfillment of God’s purpose. The Lamb had to be prepared to be sacrificed.
Also, during this traditional celebration, two feasts became one. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a remembering of what God did in the desert (Exodus 16). They also celebrated Passover as a way to remember. And Jesus, through The Last Supper, is about to connect them all by creating a new thing we will continue to do “in remembrance of Him.”
- Then we come to 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, where Paul writes;
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
God, through Jesus, in a moment, connected the past, present and future, creating new life and new meaning. As we celebrate the Last Supper, the sacrament of communion is born. By participating in communion, we remember what God did and is still doing for us, and in us, today.
Take. Eat. This is my body broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
This is why Lent is so important. The Lamb had to be prepared. The body had to be broken. And just like the blood on the doorposts saved their lives, Jesus’ blood is still saving ours today.
Let us pray;
Oh good and gracious God, forgive us for not remembering what you have done for us and are still doing for us today. Help us know You more through the Last Supper. Teach us to live as Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Take a moment and listen to this song. (If you cannot see the YouTube video, open this message in your browser.)
P.S. You know the drill, leave me a comment below and share, share, share. See you here next week. -M
