Was the last supper Jesus’ last meal on earth? Does it mean he has not been eating for 2,000 years? Does he eat alone without his father or the angels? The Bible says he will not eat of this meal again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. This Last Supper with his disciples represents his last meal he eats with his created beings until he eats it in heaven with his people, until God’s plan is fulfilled in our redemption. It points back to the Passover meal eaten in Egypt and it points forward to the wedding meal with the lamb.
The first Passover meal was marked by pestilence, disease and death. This meal in Egypt marked a change in the journey for the children of Israel. Jesus’ last supper with his disciples marked a great change in their lives from tyrannical rule to freedom in Christ. In the book, A Meal with Jesus, Tim Chester writes, “Jesus didn’t run projects, establish ministries or put on events. He ate meals.” Jesus’ way was easy, focused. How meaningful it is that we can wash hands and feet of dirty unpleasant things today to enter into a meal of communion with Jesus.
I’m not a very social person, but I do appreciate an invitation to a meal. First there is the invitation. It tells us what we need to know. The invitation tells us how to dress and what time it will begin. Sometimes it lays out the schedule of the event. Does it begin with a mingle time, appetizers or entertainment? This meal or party could be a lavish feast like one at a wedding or it could be an intimate meal of soup and bread with your family. The invitation will tell us where the meal is. We might use Google Maps to find our way or maybe it’s in a place we know well and our cars can go there on auto pilot.
My family likes to have big family dinners. We don’t have them often, but when we have them, they are good! I’m blessed to be in a family of great cooks. We each have our specialties and use quality ingredients and make things from scratch. The meal includes deviled eggs, fantastic salads, savory dishes, dessert buffets, and vegetable plates with Ranch dip. In Texas you have to have the Ranch!
Have you been feeling the effects of social isolation. What are YOU feeding on today, right now? Is your meal made up of the news, social media, and text warnings from friends? Can you say that you “feed” on the Word of God? Should you eat more of the WORD and less of the WORLD? Decide today that you will eat a meal of communion with Jesus and less of everything else. The invitation is in the Bible. He sets the table with a feast in the middle of your enemies.
When we participate in the last supper communion today, it marks a change in our present journey of a life that has emptiness and difficulty to one that is filled with closeness to those we are eating with. You may not be able to eat with family or friends right now. It may only be in the company of the Spirit. We do not understand everything that is being done. But one day we will. Jesus promised it.
Revelation 19:9 announces the invitation, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”We won’t enjoy large family meals or parties with friends again until all is well. When we gather around that great table in heaven with Jesus, ALL WILL BE WELL!
Written by Kristi Amparan, Resurrection Pageant Director