Today we would be looking at the last supper and its significance. This is recorded in the 3 synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark & Luke. Today we would read Matthew 26: 17-30 

Who, What, When, Where, and How tool

It’s the time of the festival of the unleavened bread. – This festival normally takes 7 days and it is preceded by the passover meal which happens the days before the festival of the unleavened bread. ( Leviticus 23:4-6) The passover meal is eaten by all the Isrealites. 

What is a Passover meal? The passover meal was instituted by God in Exodus chapter 12. This was the meal the children of Isreal would eat before their delvierance from slavery in the land of Eygpt. There was instruction on how the lamb was killed and prepared. 

• Jesus told his disciples where he wanted the passover meal
• The disciples went and made preparation for the meal
• During the meal Jesus told of his betrayal with someone so close to him. 
• Passover lamb will be fulfilled when Jesus has died and resurrection.
• And they continue to was then Jesus institutes what is now what we know as holy communion.(17-25)

What does it mean?

The passover meal is eaten during the festival of the unleavened bread when the passover lamb is Sacrificed. ( where did God say this should be done yearly why?)

Jesus knew what Judas was about to betray Him, yet Judas was at the table. Jesus knew what  His purpose was. The purpose of coming to earth was about to be fulfilled. HE was aware of what laid ahead of Him. There was no animosity in Jesus’ dealings with Judas. He rather repaid good with the evil Judas was about to do. Judas was part of the meal. 

His action is in line with the statement Jesus made earlier.

He was here do to do the will of His father

He had set His face as a flint to Jerusalem

Jesus shows the symbol of the new covenant that God was making with humans. The atonement of human’s sins would no longer be by the blood of rams and goats but once and for all time by the shedding of Jesus’ blood. His body was broken for us and His blood poured out. The symbol of this new covenant was the breaking of bread and sharing of wine . And this was to be done as frequently as a reminder.

And all this was done with thanksgiving. (Matthew 26.26 to 28  )

How does it apply to me today?

Be focused on your purpose. As we journey and make efforts to fulfil our purpose in God, there would be different types of people along the way. Those who will encourage, those who will be indifferent and those who are negative and critical –  haters  but the main thing is never lose or give up on your God given purpose. 

Isaiah 50:7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame

Holy Communion, we are told to do it as often as we can or remember. It stands as a reminder to us that we are justified by the blood of Christ Jesus. We are not saved because we are better in moral values than anyone but a constant reminder that our salvation was bought with the precious blood of Chrsit Jesus. 

For me Holy Communion humbles me, like me I don’t if we get so cut up in ourselves or the ministry or work God as committed into your hands either in the body of Christ or to the work you are doing for humanity. These can be righteous and godly work. Holy Communion refocuses my mind and soul  that I am saved by the blood of Christ Jesus my Lord.

Don’t get me wrong, yes these good works for God’s kingdom and humanity are good but they in themselves cannot give salvation.And also even these said good work, Philipian 2:13 tells us it is God who causes us to do His good pleasure.

Let me read (Philipin 2:13  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.) 

For me Holy communion reminds me I am precious to God and saved by the blood of Jesus. When you take Holy communion what does it remind you of?