First Lord’s Supper
Jesus observed the Passover with His disciples. Matthew 26:26-30 records three things He did that night. First, the Lord’s Supper was instituted—“Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples
and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” (vv. 26-28) Jesus transformed His last Passover into the first Lord’s Supper. Luke wrote, ”Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) The Passover had always looked forward to the sacrifice of Christ. He made it look back in remembrance of His atoning death. Another statement by the Lord was, “My blood of the new covenant.” Covenants were ratified with the blood of a sacrifice. The blood of the New Covenant was not an animal’s blood, but Christ’s own blood, shed for our sins. The Lord’s Supper was instituted for a memorial. Second, the future kingdom was anticipated—“I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (v. 29) Jesus was referring to the earthly millennial kingdom. In the face of His imminent crucifixion, He gave a declaration of hope! Third, the special fellowship was celebrated—“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” (v. 30) The Talmud designated Psalms 113–118 as the Hallel—songs traditionally sung at Passover. Again, with the crucifixion the next day, Jesus rejoiced in God’s promise of hope! On what would be the darkest night of His human life, Jesus’ thoughts were on you and me. He instituted the Lord’s Supper as a memorial of His sacrifice for our sin. He anticipated the joy of celebrating with us again in His future kingdom. He celebrated the fellowship that we enjoy in Him through worship songs.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
