Passover – What Is the Last Supper? • FOUNDED IN TRUTH

The upcoming celebration of Passover prompts a deeper look into its meaning, especially in light of what Christians understand as the fulfillment of its promises. Matthew Vander Els from Founded in Truth Fellowship guides us through this exploration, starting with the Old Testament prophecies. Jeremiah spoke of a future Passover, a greater Exodus, that would overshadow the original one in Egypt. This future redemption would be so significant that people would no longer primarily remember God for bringing them out of Egypt, but for gathering the scattered people of Israel from all over the world under the reign of a coming king.

Many believe this greater Passover was realized in Yeshua (Jesus), the King who rescued humanity not just from physical slavery but from the bondage of sin and death. The Last Supper, occurring just hours before Yeshua’s crucifixion, stands as a pivotal moment, the climax of the Gospel accounts. It’s striking that the Gospels dedicate a significant portion of their narrative to the final week of Yeshua’s life, emphasizing its profound importance. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, this period constitutes about one-third of the book, while in John, it accounts for half.

Yeshua’s arrival in Jerusalem before Passover was far from quiet. He entered the city riding as a king, a move that immediately stirred the opposition of the religious elite. Despite their disapproval, the general populace welcomed him with cheers, their messianic hopes seemingly finding a focus. Adding to the tension, Yeshua went to the temple and overturned tables, directly challenging the corruption within the religious establishment, a corruption that, according to the teaching, had persisted since the time of the exile. This act of defiance further solidified the religious leaders’ resolve to find a way to have him killed.

Against this backdrop of rising tension, Yeshua gathered his disciples for what would be known as the Last Supper. Significantly, three of the four Gospel accounts identify this meal as a Passover meal. The narrative shifts into a more secretive mode as Yeshua instructs his disciples to make preparations in a pre-arranged manner, almost like a “spy movie” scenario. He directs them to a specific man carrying a water barrel, using a coded message to secure a prepared upper room for their meal. This large, private room suggests a significant and somewhat wealthy setting for this important gathering.

As they gathered for this covenant meal, an important element was missing: the customary washing of feet. Yeshua himself initiated this act of service, scrubbing the dirt and grime from his followers’ feet, a powerful lesson in humility and servanthood. During this Last Supper, unlike other occasions, Yeshua refrained from parables or complex theological teachings. Instead, his focus was on spending time with his disciples and imbuing the traditional symbols of Passover with a new and deeper meaning in light of his impending death.

He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and shared it with his disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Similarly, taking the cup of wine after the meal, he declared, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” This moment marks the origin of what is known as the Eucharist or Communion in Christian tradition. The word “Eucharist” itself comes from the Greek word for “to give thanks,” reflecting Yeshua’s act of gratitude. This practice echoes the Jewish tradition of Kiddush, the sanctification of Sabbath with bread and wine, symbolizing a set-apart time.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Reflect on True Freedom: Recognize that just as the Israelites were freed from physical slavery, believers are freed from the slavery of sin and death through Yeshua. Consider what areas of your life still feel like bondage and seek God’s freedom in those areas.
• Embrace the New Covenant: Understand that the Last Supper established a new covenant through Yeshua’s sacrifice. Live in light of this covenant, seeking to embody love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
• Practice Humility and Service: Emulate Yeshua’s act of washing his disciples’ feet. Look for opportunities to serve others, demonstrating humility and putting their needs before your own.
• Remember and Participate: Don’t just remember the historical event of the Last Supper; actively participate in its meaning through communion and a commitment to following Yeshua.
• Examine Your Heart: Use moments of reflection, like during communion, to examine both your personal sins and the ways you might be contributing to injustice or harming others. Seek repentance and strive to live a life that reflects God’s character.
• Extend Invitation and Inclusivity: Mirror the universal invitation of Yeshua’s Passover. Be open to welcoming others, regardless of their background or current state, into fellowship and the knowledge of God’s love.
• Live in Hope: Like the Israelites journeying through the wilderness with the promise of the Promised Land, live with hope in the future fulfillment of God’s kingdom, even amidst present challenges.
• Recognize God’s Presence: Understand that the covenant meal of communion signifies God’s presence with us. Cultivate a consciousness of God’s nearness in your daily life.
• Give Thanks: Like Yeshua giving thanks before breaking the bread and sharing the wine, cultivate a spirit of gratitude in all circumstances.

References

• Jeremiah 23:7
• Jeremiah 23:8
• Matthew 26
• Mark 14
• Luke 22
• John 13

Resources Mentioned

• Haggadah (Passover booklet for Yeshua-centered Seder): Available for free download as a PDF at foundinatruth.com/resources/.
• Walkthrough video for Passover Seder: Available at foundinatruth.com/resources/.
• The Bible by various authors