)

Luke22v7to38: THE LAST SUPPER

(A) Introduction.

I have dealt with aspects of the Lord's Supper in my series on John: John13v1to17 and John13v18to38; and my series on Corinthians: 1Corinthians11v17to34. I will repeat here some of the material in these three expositions for the sake of continuity.

(B) PREPARATION Read: Luke22v7to13

(1) Reconciliation.

The three writers of the Synoptic Gospels agree that the last meal Jesus had with his disciples in the upper room was the Passover. Luke wrote: Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Lk22v7 Later he records Jesus as saying: "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." v14.

John, however, is equally clear that the Last Supper was held the day before the Passover lambs were sacrificed. He described the timing thus: It was just before the Passover Feast ..... . The evening meal was being served. Jn13v1and2. (See also Jn19v31to30 and Jn18v28.)

Numerous attempts have been made to reconcile the two accounts - some suggesting the synoptic gospel writers reckoned a new day began at sunset while John adopted the Roman practice and had the new day beginning at sunrise. I cannot for the life of me see how this would work! The simplest explanation would be that Jesus celebrated the Passover a day early because of his decision to die as the Passover lambs were being slain in the Temple. However, if this was the case it is difficult to understand why Luke called the day the meal was prepared the day of Unleavened Bread - the official title of the day the Passover Lambs were sacrificed.

I think a clue to a plausible explanation is found in John19v31. Here John explains why the Jews wanted the bodies of the crucified men removed from their crosses before sundown. Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath.

The official Passover - the one celebrated by the priests - was as John described it. The meal began at twilight as the Sabbath was starting on the 14th of Nison. This made it a special Sabbath.

It is possible that some Jews celebrated the Passover a day early whenever it fell on a Sabbath perhaps because a certain amount of work was involved serving the meal. According to the Lion Handbook to the Bible the Qumran community adopted a calendar that meant none of the major festivals fell on a Sabbath. I quote: They certainly kept festivals on different days from those observed in the temple. Practice may have varied in the days of Christ more than was once thought; this may help to explain why the Last Supper did not coincide with the day of Passover in the Temple. John the Baptist may have been influenced by the Qumran community in the desert and so possibly his disciples, several of whom became followers of Jesus, adopted the Qumran calendar.

John may have played down the fact that the Last Supper was a Passover meal because he wanted to emphasise that Jesus died as the Passover lambs were being slain - he was the Passover Lamb slain for us.

Timing was very important to Jesus. He actually used Judas to ensure he was arrested on the day the sacrifices were made. He said to Judas at the Last Supper: "What you are about to do, do quickly." Jn13v27. I think the priests would have preferred to arrest Jesus after the Passover had been celebrated but Judas was used to force their hand.

(2) Secrecy.

Jesus kept the venue of the Last Supper a secret from his disciples because he wanted to get the timing right and not be arrested prematurely. He must have made two arrangements unknown to his disciples:

    (a) To hire the guest room of one of his supporters in Jerusalem.

    (b) To have another sympathiser sit within view of a gate into the city at a set time waiting for the arrival of Peter and John. On seeing the two disciples the man would put a water pot on his head and lead them to the house where Jesus intended to celebrate the Passover. (It wasn't usual for men to carry water pots!)

Peter and John were then sent to Jerusalem at the appropriate time to make the necessary arrangements for the Passover meal.

In this way Judas was kept from betraying Jesus before the time was right for him to suffer and die.

There have been many occasions through the years when Christians have had to procede secretly. This was the case during the height of the Cold War when communism was still a force in the Soviet Union. Bibles and Christian literature had to be smuggled into the region. Even today the prayer diary I get from the Grace Baptist Mission does not identify the countries some of their missionaries are operating in. Even the courageous apostle Paul escaped from Damascus by being lowered at night from the wall in a basket. See Acts9v23to25.

(3) Service.

The passage illustrates three ways to serve. There was:

The guide. The guide waited, watched and led Peter and John to the venue for the Last Supper. Guides are important. When my friend Tommy Bamber and I went on a bird watching trip to Japan we hired a guide who for 6 wonderful days in Hokkaido showed us many rare birds. What a special treat to be taken out to sea by a taciturn Japanese fisherman to see the tufted puffins and rhinoceros auklets. Supermarkets recognise the importance of guides. Ask anyone stacking shelves where a particular item is and they will stop what they are doing and take you to find it. Immature Christians need a guide - someone to point them to Scriptures appropriate to their circumstances. The tragedy is: churches that expend tremendous efforts to make new converts do not necessarily provide the necessary guidance to bring those babes in Christ to maturity.

The property owner. What an asset the large upper room proved. Many since have used their homes to good purpose. Lydia, one of Paul's first converts in Europe, said to the apostle: "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home." Luke adds wryly: And she persuaded us. Acts16v15. A church in or near Rome met in the house of Aquila and Priscilla. See Romans16v3to5. Numerous examples could be given of Christians who have used their homes in the service of Jesus. Whenever I go to preach at the small Baptist church in Barton Mills Arthur and Gillian Rutterford invite me for a meal. Their hospitality cheers my heart.

The caterers. Peter and John prepared the Passover meal. The church owes a lot to the caterers! As I sit here I think of the cooks at Pioneer camp, my brother, Pastor Paul Reed, setting too each Wednesday to prepare a hot meal for the Courland Grove Baptist Church drop in and all those ladies who contributed to the Good Friday teas at my own small Suffolk fellowship. I am sure that some came along each year just to sample a slice of my mother's rich fruit cake. Thank God for the caterers!

(C) PARTICIPATION. Read: Luke22v14to22

(1) Christ's eagerness.

Jesus said: "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." v15.

Jesus was eager as their:

    (a) Friend. The disciples were Jesus' friends and he wanted to enjoy one last farewell meal with them. It is good on retiring from work to mark the occasion with a celebratory meal with colleagues and friends. We may see some of our colleagues again but it will be in a different capacity. A meal provides an opportunity to pay tribute, to reminisce and to be happy together.

    (b) Teacher. The disciples certainly recognised that Jesus was their teacher. It is significant that Peter and John were told to say to the owner of the upper room: "The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room .... ." v11.

    Jesus the Teacher needed to spend time with his disciples to prepare them for his absence. He taught them many important truths both at the Last Supper and afterwards as he made his way to the Garden of Gethsemane.

    Teachers are not held in very high regard in England - healers have a far higher status. Jesus healed - more effectively than anyone before or since - but that is not how his disciples thought of him. During his earthly ministry Jesus was supremely, the Teacher. Perhaps we should value teachers more highly!

    (c) Saviour. During the course of the meal Jesus anticipated his great saving work. He introduced the disciples to the simple meal by which to commemorate their deliverance from sin and death.

    How eager are we to meet around the table with our friend, teacher and saviour. Do we look forward to celebrating the Lord's Supper or is it a bit of a routine - only a rather tedious duty. It should be more than that!

    Three times a month, Jermaine Washington and Michelle Stevens get together for what they call a "gratitude lunch." With good reason! Washington donated a kidney to Stevens, whom he described as "just a friend." They met at work where they used to have lunch together. One day Michelle wept as she spoke about waiting on a kidney donor list for 11 months. She was being sustained by kidney dialysis, but suffered chronic fatigue and blackouts and was plagued by joint pain. Because Washington couldn't stand the thought of watching his friend die, he gave her one of his kidneys. When you've got something great to be thankful for, having a "gratitude lunch" is a great way to celebrate. Taken from: 'Today in the Word,' November 14, 1993.

(2) Christ's confidence.

Jesus said: "For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it (the Passover) finds fulfilment in the kingdom of God." v11.

Jesus was confident, inspite of the omens looking singularly bad, that the kingdom of God would be established. The kingdom would be secured as Jesus brought to completion what the Passover prefigured. He would be the final, the ultimate, Passover Lamb slain for us - not to deliver us from physical slavery but to set us free from slavery to sin and Satan. Paul put it like this: For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col1v13and14.

The kingdom of God was established by Jesus' death and resurrection. The Lord's Supper supersedes but also, in a sense, includes the Passover meal.

(3) Christ's purpose. See 1Corinthians11v17to34.

To summarise: there are three main reasons for the Lord's Supper:

    (a) To remember what Jesus has done for us. We remember the price Jesus paid for our redemption. We acknowledge our common dependence upon the sacrifice of Jesus. Nothing we have done merits esteem. Our own works cannot save us. So at the Lord's Supper we reaffirm our common need and unity in Christ.

    (b) To celebrate a new covenant or agreement. We meet to express our everlasting gratitude that God has agreed to forgive and grant eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. This new agreement has been achieved by the sacrifice Jesus offered of which his shed blood is the powerful symbol. We rejoice that our sins have been forgiven. My old friend Peter Chaffey loves to quote from the hymn, 'When peace, like a river, attendeth my way', in his communion prayers:

          My sin, O the bliss of this glorious thought!
          My sin, not in part but the whole,
          Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more;
          Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul

    (c) To anticipate the coming again of Jesus. We participate in the feast till he come. At the Lord's Supper we look forward in hope to the Second Coming of our Redeemer.

(4) Christ's inclusiveness.

We shouldn't forget that Judas participated in the Lord's Supper - as did Peter who was soon to deny him. I am sure it is wrong to be fussy on whom to admit to communion. It is better to be inclusive than exclusive. If Jesus was prepared for Judas to be at the meal who are we to exclude those who do not belong to our church or haven't been baptised. I realise that if non-baptised folk are welcomed to communion this does take away from the significance of believer's baptism. However, Jesus does not intend us to use the Lord's Supper as a means to get Christians baptised. That is not one of its purposes!

(D) PRESTIGE. Read: Luke22v23to29

(1) Division.

It seems likely the disciples were divided on who was Jesus' second in command. They were not all claiming to be the leader. I cannot imagine James son of Alphaeus making any such claim! It is possible the dispute was between Peter and John or the supporters of John.

The Last Supper was not proving a triumph for Peter. John occupied the place of honour on Jesus' breast. He had been rebuked by Jesus for refusing to have his feet washed and then reproved again for wanting his hands and head washed as well. So when the disciples began questioning Jesus about who the betrayer was, Peter may have asserted that it wasn't him. It could hardly be him as he was Jesus' chief man. I can imagine at this point James or another ally of John querying Peter's assertion whereupon the rest of the disciples took sides.

This sort of thing often happens in the church. The fellowship at Corinth divided into factions because some were of Cephas, some of Apollos and some of Paul. Many divisions occur over who is the greatest or the best with church members taking sides. If an old pastor retires and a new one takes his place it is rare for both to work happily together in the same church. Why is that? It is because a few Christians will continue to look to the old pastor for leadership and the new man cannot hack it! He is the boss man now! Such behaviour is awful because it is an example of Christianity not working. Where is the love that suffers long and is kind? There is no evidence of it.

(2) Correction.

    (a) Earthly leaders are not to be like earthly kings or presidents or dictators. Earthly kings may call themselves benefactors but they are mostly concerned with their own power, status and reputation. This was evident in British politics when Blair and Brown were competing for power. It was also apparent in President Obama's reaction to the oil spill in the Gulf. He blamed British Petroleum for it but then seemed to take the credit when the crisis was over. I didn't hear him thank British Petroleum for their efforts to stop oil leaking into the Gulf and clean up what had gushed out. Obama appeared to using the disaster to his political advantage.

    Christian leaders can, inspite of what Jesus said, be preoccupied with their influence and status. Diotrephes, who loves to be first (3Johnv9) was one such.

    (b) The greatest is the one who is dedicated to the service of others. Christians should be like Jesus who said: "But I am among you as one who serves." v27.

    I know many Grace Baptist pastors who set a great example as servants of the church. Some of them, like Pastor David Piper and my brother Paul, would do anything for the church. My friend Pastor John Skull told me he washed up at his church's Sunday lunch. He reckoned it was something Jesus would have done!

    I found the following item in Daily Bread for August 9th, 2010, by David Roper helpful:

    Isaac Hann was a little-known pastor who served a small church in Loughwood, England, in the mid-18th century. At the close of his ministry, the membership of the church numbered 26 women and 7 men. And only 4 of the men attended with any regularity.

    In this age of mass media and mega-churches, (Of which there are not many in Britain!) who would consider this a successful work? In our world today, Isaac Hann would be considered one of those pastors who never quite 'made it'. He certainly wouldn't have been invited to speak at pastors' conferences, nor would he have written articles on church growth.

    Yet, when he died at 88 his parishioners placed a plaque on the wall of their meeting house that remains to this day. It reads in part: Few minsters so humble were, yet few so much admired: Ripened for heaven by grace divine, like autumn fruit he fell; Reader think not to live so long, but seek to live as well.

    Reverend Isaac Hann 'made it big' in a way that matters - humility before God and a reward in heaven.

(3) Reward.

Jesus told his disciples that they would be rewarded for their faithfulness: "You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom."

It seems very unlikely Jesus promise that they would "sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel" should be taken literally. Ten of the twelve tribes had been long lost. Paul said that in the new dispensation there was neither Jew nor Greek. Divisions by race or ethnicity are no longer of any significance in the kingdom of God. When Jesus returns in glory all believers will be changed to be like him. There will be no inclination to sin whatsoever and so no need of rulers.

In reality the apostles became the leaders in Christ's kingdom after Pentecost. Perhaps Jesus used the expression the twelve tribes of Israel to mean the people of God. The disciples held prestigious positions in the early church. They enjoyed the privilege of establishing and consolidating the church - teaching, guiding and settling disputes. Gifts were laid at their feet. See acts4v35. Barnabas introduced Paul to the apostles. See acts9v27. Paul and Barnabas reported the outcome of their first missionary journey to the Twelve. See Acts15v4. According to Paul, the apostles and their wives enjoyed the hospitality of the new churches amongst the Gentiles. See 1Cor9v5. However, it is interesting to note in the record of Acts how the leadership of the Jerusalem church moved away from the apostles to the elders and particularly James the brother of Jesus.

If we serve Jesus humbly and faithfully in times of difficulty we can be sure of a reward. It may not be quite what we expect but nonetheless it will be forthcoming. My father was pastor of Brockley Baptist Church for 28 years. I cannot say that his ministry was well remunerated or that he retired with a fat pension. But I can affirm that when he was in his final years - devastated by Parkinson's disease - the Christians at Brockley were very kind to him. He was treated with respect to the end notwithstanding his pitiful condition.

(E) PROPHECY Read: Luke22v31to34

(1) Warning.

Jesus warned Peter that Satan was going to test him. Wheat is sifted to separate the rubbish from the grain. Satan desired to sift Peter to reveal the rubbish in his life.

Testing often reveals our strengths and weaknesses. Fair weather supporters only turn up for matches when their team is doing well. It says something for the loyalty of England football supporters that after the debacle of the World Cup over 70, 000 turned up to watch the national team play Hungary in a friendly.

Peter liked to be on the winning side. He loved it when Jesus was popular. More than anything else he wanted to be well thought of. This weakness was shown up in the courtyard of the High Priest's house as he was interrogated by serving maids and onlookers.

The flaws in many Christians are shown up in times of difficulty and church decline. When things go wrong in a fellowship there are invariably Christians who leave because they have no staying power. Wimpish Christians make me sick!

(2) Presumption.

    (a) Peter wanted to impress Jesus with his fidelity. He said with impressive assurance: "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Lk22v33.

    Peter wanted to die for Jesus. He didn't realise that first Jesus must die for him.

    We cannot serve God until we understand and depend upon what Jesus has done for us.

    (b) Peter didn't know his own weakness. He was self-reliant and self-confident. He thought he could do so much for Jesus. Little did he appreciate how much his Master had to do for him.

    The best of men do not know their own strength until it is tested by temptation. We do well to ponder the words of Paul: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall. 1Cor10v12. The prayer I have frequently offered to God with greatest sincerity through the years has been: 'Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil.'

    (c) Peter knew better than Jesus. He received 2 warnings from Jesus (see Mk14v27to30) but he still said passionately: "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." (And all the others said the same.) Mk14v31.

    We do not know better than Jesus. He knows what he is talking about. When Jesus tells us not to be afraid, that God will take care of us, that the best place to have riches is in heaven, that we should forgive to the extent of turning the other cheek - we need to believe him.

(3) Confidence.

Jesus did express some confidence in Peter: "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen the brothers." Lk22v32.

It is touching to realise that Jesus prayed for Peter; prayed that his faith would hold. In like manner Jesus is praying for us. Jesus knew that Peter's devotion to him would survive.

Peter was humbled by his experience. He was better able to identify with the weak, those lacking courage and fearful for their reputations. His own failure and restoration equipped him to strengthen his faltering brothers. There is no doubt his unwillingness to be cowed by the Jewish authorities stiffened the resolve of his fellow believers in the early church.

In the end Peter was able honour his word: "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and death." Judas left the presence of Jesus for the eternal night but Peter departed this life for the eternal presence.

(F) PLAYFULNESS. Read: Luke22v35to38

This is a very perplexing passage and has given rise to a great variety of opinions. There are three main approaches:

(1) A literal interpretation.

Some believe that Jesus' instruction: "If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one," justifies using weapons to defend yourself in a dangerous situation. Now it may be that men are justified in using arms to defend themselves and their families against lawless aggressors. Nehemiah made sure the Jews working to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem were armed: Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. Nh4v17and18. One could argue that the government of Colombia should arm villagers in the mountains so that they can defend themselves against the militia of the drug barons.

This is not, however, the issue Jesus addressed here. It is absolutely clear that Jesus did not want his disciples to use weapons to defend him or to promote his kingdom. Nothing could be plainer than Jesus reproof of Peter after he had cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest: "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels." Mt26v52and53. (Jesus still has at his disposal 12 legions of angels! They haven't been used yet!)

Other scriptures support this view: Lk22v49, Lk22v52, Jn18v3.

There is absolutely no evidence in the book of Acts that Christians carried weapons to defend themselves. Paul travelled in all sorts of dangerous places but there is no hint that he was armed for self-defence.

Throughout the centuries Christian missionaries have ventured into perilous situations unarmed. Some have been martyred but the gospel has born fruit without recourse to swords or guns. Church growth does not depend upon weapons of war.

Some of the darkest days in the history of the church have been when Christians have taken up arms to retaliate or to conquer. The crusades, various religious wars and the troubles in N. Ireland did great harm to the reputation of Christianity.

(2) Shock tactics

It is possible Jesus used strong, colourful language to teach the disciples how much their situation was about to change. When the disciples were sent out to announce that the kingdom of God was nigh both Jesus and the message were popular. The message was very well received because of a popular misconception of the nature of the kingdom.

After Jesus' death, as a blasphemer in the eyes of the Jewish authorities and a criminal according to the Romans, the situation for the disciples would be very different. They would be in constant danger - at risk of persecution and death.

When Jesus said: "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword sell your cloak and buy one." he was just saying in his usual graphic way, "Be prepared for opposition."

The early Christians were prepared to defend themselves legally - in the courts. Peter and John gave such a good account of themselves before the Sanhedrin that they were released. Paul appealed on at least two occasions to Roman law - once to escape a flogging and once to have his case tried by Caesar. See Acts22v22to29 and Acts25v11.

Believers today should be like the early Christians. There is a growing need in Britain for Christians to defend themselves against discriminatory laws and practices. The Christian Institute exists to help Christians who are victims of injustice.

(3) Black Comedy.

I am inclined to agree with David Rensberger that verses 35 to 38 are more black comedy than anything else. See his article on buy a sword.

Jesus was aware that soon he was to be numbered with the transgressors. v37 He was going to treated like a bandit. So he tells his disciples with bitter irony that they had better look the part - put on money pouches, carry swag bags and get 'tooled up' with swords. Then what a gang of cutthroats they would be!

As so often happened the disciples took Jesus at face value and managed to rustle up a couple of fishermen's knives. "See, Lord, here are two swords," they said. Perhaps they expected Jesus to do with two swords what he had done with five loaves and two small fish!

Jesus' response was brilliant. It showed that he hadn't lost his sense of humour even as he approached his darkest hour. He said: "That is enough." meaning, "That's more than enough to take on the legions of Rome. We will really scare them off with our two swords!"

Later, as we shall see, Peter's attempt at swordsmanship was just pure farce.

Lesson

The disciples were remarkably adept at misunderstanding Jesus. He never wanted the disciples to defend him with a couple of fishermen's knives. There are several other instances where the Twelve had no idea what Jesus was talking about and leapt to the wrong conclusion.

I am afraid that misunderstanding persists. I will refrain from giving examples here - although there are many! Suffice it to say, Christians should interpret Jesus' words carefully. He often spoke figuratively, provocatively, enigmatically and ironically. Failure to realise this leads to error.

ANY COMMENTS FOR JOHN REED: E-mail jfmreed@talktalk.net

INDEX NEXT