Topic: The Last Supper
Text: Luke 22:7-20, John 13:1-12, Matthew 26:17-30
Learning Objective
To help students understand the significance of the Last Supper and its relevance to Christianity.
Introduction
Ask students if they have heard of the Last Supper before and if they know what it is. Explain that the Last Supper was the final meal that Jesus had with his disciples before his crucifixion. It is a significant event in Christianity because it is believed to be the institution of the sacrament of communion.
Body
The Story of the Last Supper
Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples and assigned Peter and John to prepare for it. He gave them instructions on where to obtain the necessary provisions. The two disciples secured a suitable place and made all the necessary arrangements for what would be their last supper with Jesus on earth.
When it was time to eat the Passover meal, they sat down in the prepared room. Jesus expressed His desire to share this special moment with them before His death. While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples. He explained that the bread represented His body and instructed them to remember Him whenever they ate it. Afterward, He took a cup, gave thanks, and passed it to them, explaining that it contained His blood and represented the new covenant that would forgive sins.
After the meal, it became clear that Judas Iscariot had been overtaken by Satan and would soon betray Jesus to the authorities. Jesus then took a bowl of water and proceeded to wash the feet of His disciples, demonstrating a profound act of humility. Jesus humbly washed the feet of His disciples, drying them with a towel. This was a task typically performed by a servant rather than a master. When it was Simon Peter’s turn, he expressed surprise and asked why Jesus was washing his feet. Jesus explained that Peter did not yet understand the significance of the act but would later come to understand.
Jesus set an example of humility by performing this menial task, teaching His disciples to serve one another as He had served them. Following the supper, they sang hymns before departing to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.
The Meal
The meal that was shared during the Last Supper consisted of unleavened bread and wine, which were both used in the Passover ritual. Jesus used these elements to establish the sacrament of Communion, which is still practiced in many Christian churches today.
Significance of the Last Supper
I. Commemoration of Jesus’ Sacrifice
The Last Supper is significant because it marks the beginning of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. Jesus broke bread and shared wine with his disciples, saying that the bread represented his body and the wine represented his blood, which he would sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. The Holy Communion, or Eucharist, is a way of commemorating this sacrifice.
II. Symbol of Unity and Fellowship
The Last Supper was a meal shared by Jesus and his disciples, symbolizing the unity and fellowship of the Christian community. The act of sharing a meal together is seen as a way of creating bonds of friendship and unity among people.
III. Fulfillment of Prophecy
The Last Supper is seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. In the book of Isaiah, it is prophesied that the Messiah will suffer and die for the sins of humanity. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfills this prophecy.
IV. Reminder of Humility and Service
During the Last Supper, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, a symbol of humility and service. This act is a reminder to Christians of the importance of humility and service to others.
V. Anticipation of the Second Coming
The Last Supper is also seen as a reminder of the anticipation of the second coming of Jesus. Jesus told his disciples that he would not drink wine again until he drank it with them in his Father’s kingdom. This statement is seen as a promise of his return and the establishment of his kingdom.
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and emphasizes the importance of the Last Supper in Christianity. The teacher encourages students to reflect on the significance of Communion and how it connects them to Jesus’ sacrifice.
Assessment
The teacher ask the students write a reflection on what they learned about the Last Supper, list the meal that was shared during the Last Supper and its significance in Christianity.
This Lesson Note on the Last Supper was complied by Students Mirror Educators.