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This week we continue our discussion of chapter 22 of Luke’s Gospel. Please read verses 14-30 every day this week and, if possible, use a different translation each day, asking God to open your eyes to fresh revelation from His Word.
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Luke 22:14-16 (New International Version – NIV)
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfilment in the kingdom of God.”’
Our verses this week describe the last meal that Jesus had with His disciples. This is commonly known and referred to as ‘The Lord’s Supper’ or ‘The Last Supper’. It has been the subject of much attention over the years and has been the focus of attention for many historians and artists. I’m sure that most of us will have seen a copy of the painting by Leonardo da Vinci entitled ‘The Last Supper’. This particular piece of art has been argued over for decades and the Dan Brown’s novel ‘The da Vinci code’ once again brought the painting into focus. I’m not sure why it’s getting so much attention because after all, it is just one artist’s perception of what he’s reading from the Scripture. It’s a very ‘Westernised’ perception and is probably a long way away from what actually happened on that evening.
As explained last week, I think most of us have a very poor understanding of Jewish culture and biblical feasts. I’m indebted to so many commentators and historians who have provided some insight. In order to set some background for this week, I’d like to give a very brief summary of what would have happened as part of this Passover feast. The exact details vary from commentator to commentator but William Hendriksen writes as follows:
The main elements of a Passover meal were:
- A prayer of thanksgiving by the head of the house; drinking the first cup of diluted wine.
- The eating of bitter herbs, as a reminder of the bitter slavery of Egypt.
- The son’s enquiry, “Why is this night distinguished from all other nights?” and the father’s appropriate reply, either narrated or read.
- The singing of the first part of the Hallel (Psalms 113,114), and the washing of hands. The second cup.
- The carving and eating of the lamb, together with unleavened bread. The lamb was eaten in commemoration of what the ancestors had been commanded to do in the night when the Lord smote all the first-born of Egypt and delivered his people (Exodus 12 and 13). The unleavened bread was in commemoration of “The bread of haste” eaten by the ancestors.
- Continuation of the meal, each eating as much as he liked, but always last of the lamb. The third cup.
- Singing of the last part of the Hallel (Psalms 115-118). Fourth cup.
All this may seem strange, but I wanted to include it as I’ll be referring back to some of this later in the week. As we approach our services for Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, please take a few moments to pray for God’s blessing during our time together.
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