The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. It took place during the celebration of Passover, which commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Luke 22:15 records Jesus saying, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.”
During the meal, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” He then took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20). In doing so, He instituted what we now call the Lord’s Supper or communion/”>Communion, replacing the old Passover with a new covenant meal.
Jesus revealed that one of them would betray Him, identifying Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:21-25). He also predicted Peter’s denial and encouraged the disciples with promises of the kingdom and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The Last Supper is rich with meaning: it looks back to God’s past deliverance, points to the cross where Christ would be the true Passover Lamb, and looks forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb in the kingdom (Revelation 19:9).
1 Corinthians 11:26 says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” It is a continual reminder of His sacrifice, our unity in Him, and our hope in His return.
