There is little doubt that the reality of Christ’s sacrifice had become real in His life. As the evening approached, Jesus prepared for the Last Supper with His guys. Jesus knew Judas had prepared to betray Him. He knew Peter would later deny Him. He knew that all but John would run and hide to avoid a similar fate. Still, He also knew that after the resurrection, that these same men would begin the movement to save the world.
So, feet washed, preparations made, Jesus faced His men and gave them some last instruction and encouragement. For Peter, He encouraged Him to know what was about to happen was not a surprise, For Judas, He would look His betrayer in the eye and tell Him to do what he had to. For the group, Jesus would establish a tradition to keep real the sacrifice He had to make for us. It was tying up loose ends just prior to yielding to His fate.
The sadness Jesus experienced is inconceivable. Not so much for His death, but for the separation from the Father, the confusion and fear for the disciples and for leaving His life as God interacting with men on their level and in their broken world. Jesus knew it was time, but it would be the most difficult day.
We must embrace the sacrifice God made on our behalf. He loved us so much that He gave His life and changed the world. He also changed his disciples lives as well. They became bold Martyrs and through their lives spread the Gospel across the earth. We are called to continue spreading that Good news as we have opportunity. The Last supper was the inspiration for our personal walk and continued communion with the Lord. As often as we do it, we need to do it in remembrance of Christ and His loving sacrifice for us.
God Bless You
The Last Supper
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.
10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”
13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So, they prepared the Passover.
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.[a] 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Walking With God 