The Final Hours of Jesus: The Last Supper

Introduction

Brothers and sisters, we gather today to reflect on one of the most profound and sacred events in human history: the Last Supper. This was not just a meal; it was a divine appointment, a moment when Jesus, knowing full well what lay ahead, gathered with His disciples to inaugurate a new covenant, reveal deep truths, and demonstrate His unending love. It's a table of grace, set not by human hands alone, but by the sovereign plan of God for the redemption of humanity. As we open God’s Word to Luke 22, Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 13, let us allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts to the incredible depth of what transpired that evening.

I. Preparation for the Passover – Jesus’ Sovereign Control and Fulfillment of Prophecy (Luke 22:7-13)

The narrative begins with Jesus giving very specific instructions for the Passover meal. Imagine the disciples, Peter and John, asking, “Where do you want us to prepare it?” (Luke 22:9 ESV). Jesus’ response wasn't a guess or a suggestion; it was a precise prophecy of events that were about to unfold. He told them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters, and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there” (Luke 22:10-12 ESV).

This passage showcases Jesus' incredible sovereign control, even over seemingly mundane details. He knew the man, the jar of water, the house, and the furnished upper room. Nothing was left to chance; everything was part of God's perfect plan. This wasn't merely foreknowledge; it was active orchestration. It reminds us that our Lord is not merely observing history; He is directing it.

Illustration: Think of a master conductor leading a grand orchestra. Every musician, every instrument, every note is precisely known and directed by the conductor’s hand. Even before the first note is played, the conductor has a complete vision of the symphony. In a far grander sense, Jesus, the divine conductor, knew every detail leading up to that Passover meal. He orchestrated the encounter, the location, and the timing, all to fulfill God’s eternal purposes.

Application: For us today, this speaks to the absolute sovereignty (supreme power or authority) of Christ over every circumstance of our lives. When we face uncertainty, when situations seem chaotic, we can rest in the assurance that our Savior is still in control. He knows the end from the beginning, and His plans will ultimately prevail. We are called to trust His leading, even when the path isn't clear to us, just as Peter and John followed His unusual instructions.

Quote: As D.L. Moody once said, "The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives." This passage, by revealing Jesus' sovereign control, changes our understanding of trust and submission to His divine will.

II. The Bread and the Cup – The Meaning of the New Covenant in Christ’s Blood (Luke 22:19-20)

As the meal progressed, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19 ESV). Then, after supper, He took the cup, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20 ESV). This was the pivotal moment, the institution of what we now call the Lord's Supper or Communion.

The bread, His body, broken for us, signifies His sacrificial death. The cup, representing His blood, speaks of the new covenant. The Old Covenant, established through Moses and sealed with animal blood, highlighted humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's law. But now, through Christ’s perfect sacrifice, a new and better covenant is inaugurated—a covenant of grace, sealed with His own precious blood. This new covenant offers forgiveness of sins and a direct relationship with God, written not on tablets of stone, but on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Illustration: Imagine a legal contract, old and tattered, with terms that were impossible for you to uphold. You were constantly failing, constantly accruing debt. Then, a new contract is presented, freely offered by a benevolent benefactor. This new contract, sealed with His own commitment, not only cancels your old debt but provides a way for you to live in freedom and abundance. That is a faint echo of what the New Covenant in Christ's blood provides.

Application: When we partake in communion, we are not just remembering a historical event; we are proclaiming the Lord's death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). We are affirming our participation in this new covenant, acknowledging that our salvation is not based on our works, but solely on the finished work of Christ on the cross. It’s a moment to remember the profound cost of our redemption and to renew our commitment to Him who gave His all. It is a time for sincere gratitude and worship for the grace poured out for us.

Quote: A.W. Tozer profoundly stated, "The cross is the place where the love of God and the wrath of God meet together." This perfect union is what establishes the new covenant in Christ's blood, providing grace and appeasing divine justice.

III. The Betrayer Revealed – The Reality of Sin and the Offer of Grace (John 13:21-30)

Amidst this sacred institution, a somber truth was brought to light. Jesus, deeply troubled, declared, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me” (John 13:21 ESV). The disciples were perplexed and began to question who it could be. Then, in a moment both heartbreaking and revealing, Jesus identified Judas Iscariot by giving him a piece of bread dipped in the dish. "After he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”" (John 13:26-27 ESV).

This moment underscores the stark reality of sin. Even one who walked closely with Jesus, heard His teaching, and witnessed His miracles, could harbor such darkness and ultimately betray Him. Judas's choice was his own, and it reveals the profound power of sin to deceive and harden the heart. Yet, even in this grievous moment, there is a subtle, yet powerful, demonstration of grace. Jesus still offered the morsel to Judas, a final opportunity for repentance, though tragically, it was rejected.

Illustration: Imagine someone trapped in a deep, dark pit. A rope is lowered, and a hand reaches out, offering rescue. But the person in the pit, for reasons only known to them, chooses to cling to the darkness, refusing the extended hand, even though the light of salvation shines above. Judas had the ultimate light and grace before him, yet he chose his path of darkness.

Application: This calls us to a sober self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). Are there areas of our lives where we are knowingly harboring sin, resisting God's grace, and betraying Christ through our actions or inactions? Sin isolates us from God and from one another. But the good news of the gospel is that God, in His infinite love, offers forgiveness and grace to all who repent and turn to Him. No sin is too great for His cleansing blood (1 John 1:9). If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Quote: Charles Spurgeon famously preached, "The gospel is not a truth among other truths. Rather, it is the overarching truth which makes sense of all other truths." The betrayal of Judas, the reality of sin, only amplifies the profound truth and necessity of the gospel of grace.

Conclusion

The Table of Grace, the Last Supper, is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ sovereign plan, His sacrificial love, and the reality of sin, yet also the abundant offer of grace. We see a Savior in complete control, willingly giving His body and blood to establish a new covenant—a covenant of grace and forgiveness. And we are confronted with the reality of betrayal and sin, which serves to highlight the glorious nature of the redemption that is freely offered.

My friends, if you have never truly sat at this table of grace, if you have never personally surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, know this: God loves you. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins and rise again, conquering death, so that you might have eternal life. All you need to do is repent of your sins and place your faith in Him as your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10). He extends His hand of grace to you today.

For those of us who are believers, let us never forget the price paid for our redemption. Let us live lives that reflect the gratitude and love we have for our Savior. Let us remember Him in all things, until He comes again.

Amen.