When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
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.”
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:20-30)
On Monday we saw Jesus showing up with compassion. Yesterday we saw Him showing up in anger. Love was the motivation in both instances and the Disciplines were evident. We continue to focus on Jesus during Passion Week and today we see Him showing up in intimacy. We are focussing on how Jesus shows up in these Passion Week events for at least two reasons: 1) So that we can meditate on a God who is relevant to our real circumstances; and 2) so that we can confirm that the Disciplines serve a practical role in seeing God as He really is and in applying all He has to offer. Especially as we consider Jesus during Passion Week, we should pay close attention to how relevant God is to us in our times of suffering. Whatever you are going through, the same Jesus of Passion Week loves you and has the power to work things out for your good and for God’s glory.
In almost any culture, meals are often used for times of intimacy. During his final days, Jesus invites His disciples to a special supper. Please prayerfully read the passage above and answer the questions below.
Today’s Questions for comments:
- What important messages did Jesus want to communicate to His disciples, and what Disciplines do you see manifested?
- How does this act of intimacy by Jesus provide you and others with comfort?
April 1, 2015 at 4:35 am
He wanted to give them the message of the Gospel, which they had heard from Him before but still not understood. He wanted to reassure them one more/last time, in an intimate and solemn setting, and manner, of what He was about to do for them, and ‘for many’, so that they would not lose hope as the events of the next three days unfolded, that they would be together with Him again in the Kingdom.
“In this world you will have trouble.” But we must not lose hope, not if we know Jesus.
His love is evident, especially considering what He knew He was about to face. He was still being selfless and focused on preparing His disciples for what was to come. Oh what a God we serve!
April 1, 2015 at 7:23 am
What important messages did Jesus want to communicate to His disciples, and what Disciplines do you see manifested?
He wanted to again share with them what was going to happen to him and in so doing prepare them for it. Equally, if not more importantly, he wanted to give them the assurance that the events ahead would not be the end of their relationship. He wanted to communicate to them a hope of a continued and even deeper state of fellowship between he and them. He also, in light of the manner which I assume Jesus behaved as he shared the information, communicated a level of authority that was intended to assure them that he was confident that His Father was in control of everything that was about to happen. I believe Fellowship and Service are two of the disciplines manifested in this passage: the intimacy which is evident as Jesus interacts with his disciples shows how much he values relationships even as he gives the assurance of a continued and future opportunity for deeper fellowship. Service, because we know that this is all a part of the process of Him serving us for the purpose of our salvation in obedience to His Father’s will
How does this act of intimacy by Jesus provide you and others with comfort?
A bit of what is mentioned above this event communicates that Jesus cares enough to prepare us for difficult times and provides assurance of a hope producing future.
April 1, 2015 at 7:29 am
What important messages did Jesus want to communicate to His disciples, and what Disciplines do you see manifested?
Jesus delivered a message of love, forgiveness, fulfillment of the Promise, strength and power. He loved the disciples and spent time with them. He assured them of forgiveness before they even committed their sins. He reminded them that He was Messiah. He displayed confidence and strength as He reclined even heading to the cross. He fellowshiped knowing what’s to come. He engaged in spiritual warfare to fulfill is purpose. He prayed for strength.
How does this act of intimacy by Jesus provide you and others with comfort?
He has time to sit/recline in my presence even when I will betray Him. He loves me and is taking steps to ensure continued communion with God the Father through His sacrifice. I am assured forgiveness.
April 1, 2015 at 10:24 pm
Commentators – thanks again for providing insight. The Disciples could not have missed how much Jesus loved them. The Last Supper was fellowship at its best and I love how it ends in worship (“When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”). This wasn’t a simple get together. As has been said, the Gospel was written all over this event. In the pressure cooker of Passion Week Jesus took the time to create the most intimate event because that is how much He loves!