The Last Supper

The Last Supper also sometimes refers to the last meal Jesus Christ shared with his apostles before he was arrested, crucified, died, and subsequently resurrected.

The Last Supper As depicted by Michael Angelo

The Last Supper also referred to as: The Lord’s Supper The Agape Meal

When did the Last Supper take place? Most biblical scholars consider the last supper to have occurred during the Passover seder celebrated on the Thursday night (Holy Thursday) before Jesus was crucified. Jesus was crucified on Friday (Good Friday).

What is the Passover? Passover is a Jewish holy day and festival that commemorates the time God spared the Jews from the 10 th Plague in Egypt. The 10 th Plague in Egypt is the time when God killed the first born of Egypt.

Modern day Jews feasting during Passover

Why did God release plagues to Egypt? The Egyptians worshipped numerous Gods or Goddesses. They had Gods or Goddess for the Nile River, the Sun, the Sky, the Storms, the Crops, the desert, etc… This made God angry. To demonstrate that their Gods and Goddesses were false, God released 10 plagues in Egypt at different times.

The 10 Plagues Plague of Turning the Nile to blood Plague of Frogs Plague of Gnats Plague of Flies Plague of Death of Livestock, Plague of Boils Plague of Hail Plague of Locusts Plague of Darkness Plague of Death of firstborn

Passover is followed by the seven day Feast of the Unleavened Bread which commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. The Exodus was the liberation of the Israelites from slavery under the Egyptians

Where did the Last Supper take place? According to tradition, the Last Supper took place in what is called today The Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion, just outside of the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Mt. Zion View from the west

Old City of Jerusalem

Night Shot

The significance of the Last Supper. Jesus’ washing the feet of the Apostles. It was on the occasion of the Last Supper that Jesus instructed us,, “Do this in remembrance of me.” The celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the act of receiving the Holy Communion is in keeping with Jesus’ instruction.

Jesus’ washing of the feet. On the occasion of the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of his Apostles. In those times, the washing of the feet is a practice done before anybody entered the house. It was the servant or slave who would wash the feet of his masters and his masters’ guest. By washing the feet of his Apostles, Jesus demonstrated absolute humility showing that He came to serve and not to be served.

Continued… Jesus’ act of washing of the feet reminds us all to always be ready to serve others.

Jesus washing the feet of Peter As depicted

The eating of the bread and drinking of wine. Jesus raised the cup, gave thanks to the Lord and afterwards shared the wine with the Apostles. By only using one cup, Jesus is showing the virtue of generosity. It reminds us to share whatever little we have. After everyone drinks from the cup, Jesus took the bread and gave thanks.

Continued… Jesus broke the bread then passes it around to the Apostles. Jesus says, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” At the Last Supper, Jesus offers Himself to His apostles in the form of bread and wine. Jesus offered Himself to us as the Bread of Life. Jesus is telling us all that he was sent by the Father for all of mankind.

By celebrating the Holy Communion, we are following Jesus’ instruction in remembering him and his teachings. Also, celebrating the Holy Eucharist is being one with God.

Holy Communion

Thank You For Listening!!!