The Last Supper

Greetings, Church Family:

Today on this Thursday of Holy Week, we as Christians observe Maundy Thursday.  It is on this day that we commemorate the Last Supper, the Passover meal that Jesus and his disciples celebrated in the upper room, just before his crucifixion.  

Here is the passage from Matthew 26:26-29:

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.”

At the time, the disciples did not understand Jesus’ words, but we understand now that the bread they broke represents the body of Christ, broken for us.  The cup represents the blood of the new covenant, which Jesus gave freely so that our sins might be forgiven. The disciples did not know at the time that mere hours later, Jesus would be crucified and that each of them would abandon him.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

The Lord’s Supper remains such an important sacrament of our faith today because it represents the promise that Jesus made over 2,000 years ago, not only to his disciples, but to the whole world.

On this Maundy Thursday, may we remember that promise “that all who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross.”

Peace and Blessings to you this Holy Week.

- Justin