Passover

Introduction

Last meals are something we associate with those on death row—a final meal before a death sentence is carried out. Jesus shares a last meal with his disciples, but it is no ordinary final meal. This meal is the Passover, the celebration of God’s deliverance of his people from Egyptian captivity, and it remains a central observance in Jewish practice to this day.

Israel had been enslaved in Egypt for four hundred years when the time came for them to enter the land God had promised them. All the Jews were to kill a lamb and, along with other foods, stand eating this meal—fully clothed and ready to move in an instant. The blood from the lamb was wiped on the doorframe of their houses. When God came through the land to bring death to all the firstborn in Egypt, both human and animal, he would “pass over” the houses marked with blood. All inside those marked houses would be saved. This event was remembered year after year. The Passover meal was one of three main holidays in the Jewish calendar, and each year people poured into Jerusalem to celebrate it together.

This is going to be Jesus’ last meal. While it is the Passover meal that they share, Jesus gives new meaning to it. The bread and the wine are given new meaning that refers to Jesus. Luke has prepared us for this possibility. In 9:31, at the time when Jesus was transfigured in front of Peter, James, and John, Luke tells us that the discussion between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah was about Jesus’ departure—using the word “Exodus.” The Exodus for Israel out of Egypt required the blood of the lamb. Jesus’ exodus will require his blood. He will be the lamb, and by his blood all people—not just Israel—will be delivered. We celebrate our deliverance today.

The Meal

The end is near, or maybe we should speak of the beginning. The end of God’s plan for Jesus at the cross is the beginning of our life with God. Jesus will give his life so that we may live. Luke 22 tells us that Judas has already made the agreement to betray Jesus. According to 22:21, Jesus knows that Judas is going to betray him. The plan of God is unfolding. But before he goes to the cross, he is going to share one last meal with his disciples—not just any meal, but the Passover meal. Arrangements are made. The meal is ready. And in an upper room, Jesus and his disciples gather for this last meal. The disciples have no idea this is the last meal. Jesus has tried to prepare them, but they keep missing the clues and the obvious statements.

Look at verse 15. Jesus begins the meal by telling his disciples how much he has been wanting to share this meal with them. Jesus has desired deeply to share this meal with his disciples. Why? Jesus knew what was going to happen. He knew that his death would fulfill the plan of God. He knew that this meal was special in Israel’s history and he knew that it would become special for a new reason. It was time to reveal what his suffering was going to mean to them.

Luke is the only writer that provides us some added insight into the Passover meal. At the time of Jesus, there were four times that the cup was raised to express something of significance. Luke tells us about two times that the cup is used. In verse 17, this is probably the first cup. This began the meal. The cup was held and a blessing was offered. This blessing usually focused on God’s great creative power. It was a way of welcoming all to the meal and to focus on the God who delivers. Sharing the cup brought them all together into one celebration.

As the meal progresses, Jesus takes some unleavened bread and, having blessed it, he gives new meaning to the bread. The bread now represents his body—the body that is going to be given for all. Eating the bread shifted the focus from thinking about God’s deliverance of Israel out of Egypt to the death of Jesus. The same applies to the next cup. This is probably the third cup, the one taken immediately after the meal. It, too, was a cup of blessing recognizing God’s deliverance. But now Jesus says the cup represents his blood, and it also demonstrates that a new covenant is being made—a new covenant that expresses the connection God is making with his people. Those who drink this cup acknowledge that they participate in this new covenant. Jesus is Savior and Lord. Let’s sing songs reminding us of this new covenant and meal.

Application

Jesus is in control of the events that are unfolding. He knew where they would eat the meal. He knew how the meal would be used to reveal more about himself. He knew that Judas was the betrayer. Nothing is happening unexpectedly. He is not caught off guard by the events. Notice verse 22. Jesus says that what is happening is as it has been decreed. This is God’s plan—a plan that was set before creation. The plan was set, and then century after century has led to this point. Jesus isn’t surprised. He is prepared to finish the plan of his Father and to complete his mission. The cross is clearly ahead. Jesus moves forward with what is God’s will.

Recognizing this truth, also recognize that Jesus invites Judas to share the meal with them. What was going through Judas’ mind? We aren’t told. But he eats the bread and drinks the cup with the others. He is invited to be a participant in this new covenant. But Judas will leave the meal to lead a group to arrest Jesus and ultimately to bring Jesus to the cross.

As participants in this new covenant, we are invited to join with Jesus in making this new covenant real and visible in this world. Sharing in the bread and the cup means that we agree that Jesus is Savior and Lord. Will our lives be a reflection of that truth this afternoon and tomorrow? We all sin. We are not speaking of perfection. We are speaking of intent. Sharing the supper together allows us to announce to each other that our lives are for Jesus and that we will leave here ready to demonstrate that we are part of the new covenant with Jesus.

Judas ate the meal. His heart was elsewhere. We have eaten the meal. Where was your heart? Where will it be tomorrow?

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