“Then came the day of Unleavened bread,” Luke writes about Jesus’ last dinner. We affectionately call such a meal a “supper.” To “sup” with someone is to enjoy drinks together.
What a joy to sit for a long conversation with those you love, whether over coffee, water, tea, Pepsi, wine or beer. I haven’t enjoyed all of these, but I see something longing in us to enjoy one another’s company for a time. To sup with someone is to drink over a prolonged time, which is the Passover meal’s idea.
The setting of the Passover is strategic to take time to remind everyone of their past and identity. The Jewish people commemorate the deliverance from Egypt after four hundred years of slavery. They each have a plate, napkin and cutlery and enjoy lamb, bitter herbs and crispy bread with no yeast.
The lamb represents a sacrifice needed to set apart the people of Israel. Blood was expected from every home. Israel was allowed to substitute their children for an unblemished lamb. The herbs, dipped with romaine or parsley, are to remind them of how bitter their time in Egypt was. The bread was to remind them of the holiness of God. Yeast or leaven was identified as sinful, so removing it would be like sanctification.
The only other element needed was the wine. There were four cups of wine. A prayer and scripture accompanied each. They signified what Exodus 6:6-7 tells us God wanted — Sanctification, Deliverance, Redemption and Praise.
These people were to be set apart for a purpose. They were His people, and God wanted them to show the world how He cares for those who are His.
Jesus did the same thing. Jesus is our substituted lamb. The sacrifice of Jesus swallows the bitterness from our sins. He is the bread of life unstained by the leaven of the world. Now for the new covenant He came to bring us.
Through the wine we are told to remember Jesus, every time we drink it. The night Jesus said these words, He instructed his disciples never to forget what He had done for them. He loved them by serving. Providing a place for the Passover, washing their feet and serving them dinner were all ways He showed how He loved them and could care for them.
When we take communion, it calls back to this significant dinner. We are instructed to remember Jesus when we partake. Picture Jesus across the table handing you each element and saying to you, “Me for you. Me for you.”
That’s what He told us about the bread and wine. These are given for you from Me. As you take, also know He will return someday. Paul says, “As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He returns.”
The next time you enjoy this sacrament of the church, turn your attention to Jesus. Look up to the One who has prepared this for you and be thankful. Look in to examine if anything needs to be cleaned out. Look back at the cross, and all Jesus has already done for you. Look around at this body of believers that reminds you that you are not alone.
And, lastly, look ahead to the marriage feast that is coming. Jesus’ last supper is on display, so you don’t lose heart. In His final hours, He served, prayed and blessed those He loved.
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