Day 5: The Last Supper

Read

¹⁴And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. ¹⁵And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ¹⁶For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” ¹⁷And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. ¹⁸For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” ¹⁹And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁰And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Luke 22:14–20

Reflect

Just as the events of the Holy Week bring out different perspectives for us, the people of Israel also reacted to what was unfolding in front of them differently. There were visitors from far and away who had come over for this annual feast of the Passover. The locals were busy fixing their houses and preparing meals to welcome family and friends. Some were busy taking advantage of the occasion. Those selling lambs, doves, and wine were happy, as the prices were probably skyrocketing during this time. 

This was also the time when people could be sober and introspective. During the ceremonial feast of Passover, the Israelites reflected on God’s acts of salvation and reaffirmed their identity as His people. Every time they performed the ritual, they associated themselves with the generation of the Exodus. 

But when Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, He gave the meal greater significance because He was going to fulfill His mission as the true Passover Lamb. Just as the historical exodus and old covenant defined Israel’s existence, so Christ enacted a new exodus and a new covenant that would redefine our very identity and way of life. That is why Jesus told the disciples to “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Today, people think that to remember is to merely recall something from the past. Biblically, however, remembering involves bringing the past into the present and allowing it to actively shape us. When we remember, we are not thinking about someone absent and disconnected from us. Rather, we are, by faith, identifying with and being shaped by someone who is with us and in us.

Today, the Last Supper reminds and reaffirms a Christian’s new identity and new destiny in Christ—that we are a people who have been shown His lavish love and grace and have been redeemed by Him. And because we have been redeemed by Christ, we belong to Him and are becoming more like Him every day. This is why during this Holy Week, we can celebrate and rejoice while finding rest for our souls. 

Respond

• What are the attitudes of your loved ones towards Holy Week? What activities do you usually do as a family or a group of friends? Why do you do these?
• How has Christ actively shaped your identity and way of life? To whom can you share your testimony this week? 
• Today, as you share a meal with your family, take time to pray and remember what Christ has done. Together, thank Him for His life, sacrifice, and resurrection.