As we ponder the magnitude of the Last Supper, may we adjust our view away from familiar framed masterpieces with soft expressions and flowing robe images, and let the Scriptures speak truth to our sober remembrances. May we ponder the Lord of Glory at His last gathering of the twelve, considering the pressures, the passion of His love, and look afresh for insights through Scripture.
What precious words initiate Jesus speaking to his twelve, as they begin to celebrate what would be their last Passover meal with their beloved teacher. The Lord begins with these words. “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer.” The first emphasis is Jesus’ longing to share the feast and fellowship with the twelve, knowing it would be their last meal together. His eagerness includes a communion celebration so sacred it would serve as an ongoing proclamation of His death.
Yet there was the last triad of words, which possibly escaped their full attention “…before I suffer.” How could they ever realize the impact of these three monumental words! The simplicity of them almost mask His monstrous suffering to find fulfillment within hours. How fitting that the Lord first reminded them of His bonding, then the pronouncement of His soon suffering. The meal was the backdrop for all of this and more.
There is more to this meal than the offering of the precious bread and wine, and their sacred remembrance for the future. The Lord would likewise bring to the table the horrifying revelation and exposure of one among them who would betray Him. One after another the apostles responded to the shocking news, “Surely not I, Lord?” Now the meal is wrought with shock and confusion as the betrayer is named.
Now enters the discussion as to who among them would be considered greatest. Perhaps to quell this, the Lord describes and models the necessity of servitude. This is followed by conferring a kingdom on those present, prophesying of their future roles seated on thrones judging.
Confrontation with Peter now comes to the fore, as he is warned that Satan has asked to sift him as wheat. Impulsively, Peter contends his readiness to go to prison and death with the Lord. Yet over these prophetic words, Peter is told that even this very night, he will deny His beloved Lord.
A shaking enters that upper room where we view the seismic shift from the beauty of communion to the sidebars of contention and confusion. We see the Lord standing solitary betwixt two at the table: the upcoming betrayal of one, and denials of another. Yet this night, He still leads in lessons of servitude, of correction, in prophesying, and exposing. All of this while He, Himself, was about to undergo the crisis of His lifetime. Ever the Shepherd looking out for His sheep first. All this was to prepare them for the days ahead. Yes, the Great Shepherd still leading, but headed alone to the cross. Alone is He in His thoughts, headed out to the garden. Yet Incredibly, this sacred supper concludes with conversation of swords.
The Great Shepherd is the focal point here, the center of the meal, of His apostles and of His church. Obeying the Father to the finality of his earthly days, yet ever preparing his beloved apostles. As the Great Shepherd leaves the room, He leads to the garden: anticipation has transitioned to apprehension, devotion to dispersion. And the night has just begun.
The Servant Scribe 