Jesus’ Last Supper with His Disciples
June 30, 2020
Commentary
In the church today the Lord’s Supper, also called Communion, replaces the Jewish Passover. For the Jews, Passover remembered a past victory, but Jesus gave a new memorial of His death. At this last meal, He sat with His disciples, knowing Judas would betray Him, though others did not sus-pect (vv. 17–21). This reminds us that nothing is hidden from Christ, who sees every secret thought clearly, and understands every hidden motive within us.
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it, saying, “Take, eat: this is my body” (v. 22). Then He took the cup and said, “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many” (vv. 23–25). This new covenant was not based on law, but on love and His sacrifice. Freely given for our salvation and hope, for all who heard and believe. Calling us into a personal relationship with God. After this, they sang a hymn and went to the Mount of Olives (v. 26).
On the way, Jesus warned that all would forsake Him, quoting, “I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered” (v. 27). Peter strongly said he would never deny Jesus, and the others agreed (vv. 28–31). But Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times. Peter trusted himself, forgetting human weakness, and overestimating his own strength in that moment, instead of depending on God’s grace.
Yet Peter’s heart loved Jesus. Though he failed, his love later rose again. Jesus knew all that would happen—betrayal, suffering, and the cross. Still, what hurt most was being left by His friends. In His deepest need, they could not stand with Him, and He faced it alone, enduring sorrow, rejection, and pain with faithful obedience, so that we might receive mercy, forgiveness, and new life.
Application
Do I remember Jesus’ sacrifice in a real and thankful way, or just as a routine? Is there anything I am hiding from Him, though He sees my heart? Am I trusting my own strength like Peter, or depending on God’s grace? Will I stay faithful to Jesus even in small choices? How can I show my love for Him in a simple, practical way?
Mark 14:17–31 (NET)
17 Then, when it was evening, he came to the house with the twelve. 18 While they were at the table eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me will betray me.” 19 They were distressed, and one by one said to him, “Surely not I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips his hand with me into the bowl. 21 For the Son of Man will go as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had never been born.”
22 While they were eating, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it. This is my body.” 23 And after taking the cup and giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, that is poured out for many. 25 I tell you the truth, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
27 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
28 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even if they all fall away, I will not!” 30 Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today—this very night—before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I must die with you, I will never deny you.” And all of them said the same thing.
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