Day 30
The
Main Event: the last supper
Read: Luke 22:1-46
The meal we know as the Last Supper was celebrated during Passover time.
In this setting Jesus saw it as an anticipation of the great victory feast when
God's kingdom would be finally established (22:15-16). God's rule could be
achieved only by Jesus sacrificing his body and shedding his blood in death.
Jesus here presents his forthcoming execution as an offer of salvation. Jesus
reconstructed the Passover with new meaning. Replacing the substitute Lamb for
himself (22:17-20). The act of Jesus’ last supper with his’ disciples is the
framework of Christian Communion’s celebration; as instituted by Jesus himself
(1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Our regular participation in the celebration of
Communion in church fellowship affirms the intimate oneness between Jesus, his
death and the participants.
Jesus approached his suffering impressively composed and purposeful. But
there was agony and turmoil behind this strength, as seen in his anguished
prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father,
if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me” (22:42). Jesus was in
extreme suffering. His sweat was like drops of blood. The cup which Jesus drank
contained more than physical suffering and death. He was taking all the world's
sin and evil on himself.
One of Jesus’ own disciples Judas led the soldiers to Jesus in
Gethsemane (22:47-48). The Roman commanding officer was evidently expecting
armed resistance and the troops were ready for a struggle. Jesus rejected armed
resistance, once again refusing the role of a political Messiah. The disciples
ran away. The potential for mass uproar from the crowds of Galilean pilgrims
was not realized.
Ponder Point
(reflect)
- The main event of human
history is Jesus’ sacrifice
Consider
(respond)
- My
“felt” Communion-connection to Jesus is ...................
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