In the New Testament the Lord’s Supper is spoken of in several different ways:
- Communion (koinonia), in the blood of Christ and the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
- The Lord’s table (trapeza) (1 Corinthians 10:21)
- The Lord’s Supper (deipnon) (1 Corinthians 11:20)
- The breaking of bread (Acts 2:42; 20:7)
- The remembrance of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)
- The Eucharist (thanksgiving) (Luke 22:17,19; 1 Corinthians 11:24; Acts 27:35)
Beyond all of this, the Lord’s Supper is our Christian Passover. In 1 Corinthians 5:7 it says:
7 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)
In Mark 14:12-17 we read:
12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. (Mark 14:12-13)
The man with the jar of water spoken of here was most likely John Mark, the author of this Gospel.
14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. 17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. (Mark 14:14-17)
THE CUP OF THANKSGIVING
The celebration of the Passover followed exactly the same custom in every Jewish home. Everything began with an opening prayer and a formal beginning. After thanksgiving was offered to God and the food was blessed, those gathered around the table passed to one another the first of four cups, which were passed from hand to hand throughout the whole evening. This first Passover cup could be called “the cup of thanksgiving,” because it began to be passed after the first prayer of thanks.
After this each of the participants in the meal took herbs and dipped them in salted water. It was precisely this dipping that Jesus used to point out to the disciples the one who would betray him (Matthew 26:20-23):
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” 23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. (Matthew 26:20-23)
After this the head of the family took one of the three unleavened loaves that had been placed on the table, broke it, and set it aside. Then, in answer to the question of the youngest member of the family, the story of the first Passover was told. This was Moses’ command (Exodus 12:26-27):
26 And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ 27 then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’ ” Then the people bowed down and worshiped. (Exodus 12:26-27)
The word “Passover” actually means “passing over.” On that night the Lord passed through and struck down the firstborn in every house that was not marked with the blood of a sacrificed lamb (Exodus 12:29). The Passover is the feast that celebrates how God “passed over” the houses of the Israelites when he struck down the Egyptians.
THE FIRST PASSOVER
We find the story of the first Passover in Exodus 12:1-14. It was first celebrated on the night before the Exodus from Egypt.
1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. (Exodus 12:1-2)
Nearly in the middle of the year, God gave his people a new beginning. This reminds us that through salvation God makes us new creations and gives us new life.
In order to prepare the Passover, the Israelites had to do several things:
1. The Israelites had to slaughter the lamb (vv. 3-6).
3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. (Exodus 12:3-5)
The spotlessness of the Lamb reminds us of the perfection of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, was sacrificed for our sins.
6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. (Exodus 12:6)
As far as we are concerned, this has already been done. Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7), crucified for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).
2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)
2. The Israelites had to put the blood on the doorframes (v. 7).
7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. (Exodus 12:7)
For us this happens when we repent of our sins. Then the blood of Christ cleanses our hearts through faith, and we are set free from the wrath of God that is to be poured out upon this world. But this holy blood must remain on the doors of our hearts forever, so that we may truly escape God’s judgment.
3. The Israelites had to stay inside the house (v. 22).
22 Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. (Exodus 12:22)
I believe that for us this means two things. First, to remain in Christ, or to abide in him, and second, to remain in the Church, which is the house of God. We must not go out and abandon our fellowship with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
4. The Israelites had to eat the whole lamb (vv. 8-10).
8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. (Exodus 12:8-10)
This is extremely important, especially where Christ and the Church are concerned. It is not enough for us merely to be saved, to pray for the forgiveness of our sins, and to apply the redeeming blood of Christ to ourselves. We must go on receiving daily from the strength of Christ. Nothing of the lamb was to be left until morning. In the same way, we must not leave any part of Christ to be rejected or neglected.
The Lord’s Supper teaches us thanksgiving. Just as, in celebrating the Passover, the Israelites still give thanks even today for God’s miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, so today, as we share in the Lord’s Supper, we give thanks to God for our deliverance from the slavery of sin. We thank him for the sacrifice of Christ and for the New Covenant in his blood. This is why the Lord’s Supper is a kind of thank-offering to God. The very word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving. It is no accident that this was the most widely used term for this ordinance in the first centuries of the Christian church. Remembering what Jesus suffered for us, we thank the Father for his love toward us and Jesus for his redeeming sacrifice.
THE CUP OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
After the story of the Passover had been told, Psalms 113 and 114 were sung. Then a second cup of wine was filled and passed from hand to hand around the table. This cup could be called “the cup of the kingdom of God.” This is precisely the cup spoken of in Luke 22:14-18:
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.” (Luke 22:14-18)
This cup speaks to us of the coming of the kingdom of God. Notice that here it says Jesus “took the cup,” gave thanks, and passed it to his disciples. But this was still not “the cup of the New Covenant.” That would come a little later—after the supper.
AN APRON INSTEAD OF A ROBE
Before the meal proper, everyone washed their hands. Perhaps it was at this very moment that Jesus took off his robe, wrapped a towel around himself, and washed the disciples’ feet. In John 13 we read:
1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:1-5)
The Lord’s Supper is not only a feast of thanksgiving, but also a feast of humility. Jesus got up from the meal and washed the feet of his disciples. In this way he reminds us that whoever wishes to be greater among us must be the servant of all.
Picture the setting of that evening. The room is cleaned and furnished. In the middle stands a very low table—about 30 cm high—such that a person could eat from it while reclining. In those days people ate reclining on their left side on cushions, reaching with their right hand toward whatever was set on the table. The cloth covered about two-thirds of the table. On it were the wine, which was a mixture of two parts water and one part wine, the loaves, and the roasted lamb. In the room there was also a jug of water and a basin. The places were arranged in the shape of a horseshoe. At the two ends of the table, at the very edges, sat those disciples who played the role of servants—most likely Peter and John. Perhaps Peter was on the left side and John on the right. Right next to John was Jesus, who occupied the place of the host. On the other side of Jesus was Judas, the treasurer, who sat in the place of the guest of honor. Only this arrangement explains why Peter could say something to John without the others hearing, John could ask Jesus, and Jesus could hand the morsel to Judas (John 13:21-27).
Everything was perfect. The soft light of the candles, the aroma of the roasted lamb, the festive mood. Everything so romantic. But there is one thing that looks repulsive against the backdrop of this wonderful setting—the dirty feet of the disciples. Peter and John had done the “women’s work”—they had prepared the room and set the table. But not for anything in the world would they do the “servant’s work”—to wash the feet of the guests. For them this would have been utter humiliation. Remember that even while they were traveling to Jerusalem a dispute arose among them—which of them would be greatest in Christ’s kingdom. In Mark 10:35-45 we read:
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:35-45)
And now, even during the Passover, when Jesus is already instituting the Lord’s Supper, they go on quarreling. In Luke 22:24 we read:
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. (Luke 22:24)
Then Jesus, as the host, stands up to pour more wine, but instead of reaching for the wine he heads toward the basin, sets his robe aside, takes the towel, pours water, and begins to wash the feet of the disciples. At last he comes to Simon too. Peter knows that Jesus had asked him to play the role of the servant that evening, and that he is the one who ought to wash the feet of the others. But how can he do it, when he considers himself better than all the rest? And yet he would not allow Jesus to wash his feet (John 13:6-12).
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” (John 13:6-10)
In all this Jesus teaches us how to have clean hearts and humble hearts. When he speaks of bathing and washing, here in v. 10 Jesus uses two different words—bathed, “leloumenos”; and wash, “nipsasthai.” The bath is justification through faith, which gives us a standing as sanctified before God in Jesus Christ. This verb is in the past-completed tense and describes an act that is fully finished and has eternal results. The washing of the feet is our daily sanctification, which is needed in order for us to have fellowship with God.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17)
And so, who is the greatest? The one who serves, the one who serves not only the Lord, but also his colleagues and fellow servants. And what is the motive for such service—love. This 13th chapter of the Gospel according to John begins with the words:
1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13:1)
After the washing of hands, blessings were spoken and the bread was broken. Bitter herbs dipped in sauce were passed from one to another. This was the moment in which Jesus handed the morsel to Judas Iscariot (John 13:21-27).
21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (John 13:21-27)
THE CUP OF BLESSING
After the lamb had been eaten came the moment in which the Lord Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper. Then the bread that had been set aside earlier was broken, and the third cup of wine was passed—“the cup of blessing.” In Luke 22:19-20 it says:
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. (Luke 22:19-20)
Notice that it is precisely “the cup after the supper” that Jesus calls the cup of the New Covenant. The wine in it is a symbol of the blood of Christ by which it will be ratified. This cup is the cup of blessing, “poterion tes eulogias.” In 1 Corinthians 10:16 the apostle Paul says that the cup of the Lord’s Supper, which we bless, is the cup that has been blessed.
16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16)
“The cup of blessing” was a specific term for the third cup drunk during the Jewish Passover. But for us this is no longer merely a term, but a blessing that the Lord Jesus filled with content.
The Passover ended with the singing of the remaining “Hallelujah Psalms”—from the 115th to the 118th—and the “Great Hallelujah,” Psalm 136. Some of these are perhaps the “hymn” spoken of in Matthew 26:30:
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30)
THE CUP OF SUFFERING
Finally, the last cup of wine was drunk, with which the feast came to its complete end. In order for our redemption to be accomplished, Jesus had to drink this last cup too. For him it became “the cup of suffering.” This cup he drank in Gethsemane. Do you remember how he prayed there? In Luke 22:41-44 it says:
41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:41-44)
Can you imagine the agony in the soul of the Lord during this prayer? The “Mount of Olives” means the hill of olive trees, and the very word “Gethsemane,” the garden at the foot of the hill, means “olive press.” Just as the olives must be pressed and crushed in order for oil to be drawn from them, so Jesus was crushed in the press of sacrifice, so that God’s anointing of salvation, healing, and deliverance might come upon us. For Jesus the cup of suffering consisted in this—that he accepted to be crucified on the cross of Golgotha and to die in our place, in order to bring us to God.
In 1 Peter 3:18 it says:
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18)
So that today we may with thanksgiving receive “the cup of blessing,” our Lord Jesus Christ had to drink the cup of suffering to the very bottom! Therefore, let us with thanksgiving and reverence share in the Lord’s Supper!