THE LAST SUPPER

THE LAST SUPPER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 26:17-30

Key Verse: “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Exodus 12:1-14; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 6:53-58; Isaiah 53:5

Description: The Last Supper reveals Christ's sacrificial love, establishes the New Covenant, and calls believers to continual remembrance of His redemptive work.

INTRODUCTION
The Last Supper stands as one of the most significant events in the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered with His disciples to celebrate the Passover meal. What began as a traditional Jewish observance became the institution of a new covenant that would forever transform the relationship between God and humanity. During this sacred meal, Jesus revealed profound truths about His impending sacrifice and the salvation He would accomplish through His death.

The Passover commemorated God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage through the blood of the lamb. Jesus used this occasion to reveal that He Himself was the ultimate Passover Lamb who would take away the sins of the world. By taking the bread and the cup, He pointed His disciples to the sacrifice He was about to make on the cross. The bread symbolized His body, and the cup symbolized His blood that would be shed for the remission of sins.

For believers today, the Last Supper remains a powerful reminder of Christ's love, grace, and redemption. It calls us to remember His sacrifice, appreciate the blessings of the New Covenant, examine our hearts, and maintain fellowship with Him. Through this sacred institution, Jesus provided a lasting memorial of His atoning work and a means by which believers can continually proclaim His death until He comes again.

1. THE LAST SUPPER REVEALS GOD'S REDEMPTIVE PLAN
The events of the Last Supper demonstrate God's eternal plan to save humanity through Christ.

a) The Passover Pointed to Christ (Exodus 12:13)
The Passover lamb foreshadowed Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

b) Christ Is the Lamb of God (John 1:29)
Jesus came to take away the sin of the world through His sacrifice.

c) Redemption Was Planned by God (1 Peter 1:18-20)
Christ's sacrifice was part of God's eternal purpose.

d) Salvation Comes Through His Blood (Hebrews 9:22)
The shedding of Christ's blood provides forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Biblical Example: The Passover in Egypt protected Israel from judgment through the blood of the lamb, pointing prophetically to Christ's redemptive work (Exodus 12:21-28).

2. THE LORD'S SUPPER ESTABLISHES THE NEW COVENANT
Jesus introduced a new covenant relationship between God and His people.

a) The Cup Represents the New Covenant (Matthew 26:28)
Christ's blood established a better covenant based on grace.

b) The Old Covenant Pointed to Christ (Hebrews 10:1)
The sacrifices of the Law anticipated the perfect sacrifice of Jesus.

c) Christ Became the Mediator (Hebrews 9:15)
Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity.

d) Forgiveness Is Available Through Christ (Ephesians 1:7)
The New Covenant offers complete forgiveness of sins.

Biblical Example: Moses sealed the Old Covenant with the blood of sacrifices, while Christ sealed the New Covenant with His own blood (Exodus 24:8).

3. THE BREAD AND CUP SYMBOLIZE CHRIST'S SACRIFICE
The elements of Communion point believers to the cross.

a) The Bread Represents His Body (Matthew 26:26)
Jesus willingly offered His body for the salvation of mankind.

b) The Cup Represents His Blood (Matthew 26:27-28)
His blood was shed for the remission of sins.

c) His Sacrifice Was Voluntary (John 10:17-18)
Christ willingly laid down His life for humanity.

d) His Death Brings Life (Isaiah 53:5)
Through His suffering, believers receive healing and reconciliation.

Biblical Example: Isaiah prophetically described the suffering Messiah who would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53:4-6).

4. THE LAST SUPPER CALLS FOR SELF-EXAMINATION
Believers must approach the Lord's Table with sincerity and reverence.

a) Judas Was Present Yet Unprepared (Matthew 26:21-25)
Outward association with Christ is not enough without genuine commitment.

b) Every Believer Should Examine Their Heart (1 Corinthians 11:28)
Self-examination promotes spiritual growth and repentance.

c) Sin Must Be Confessed (1 John 1:9)
God offers cleansing to those who sincerely repent.

d) Communion Should Be Approached Reverently (1 Corinthians 11:27)
The sacred nature of the Lord's Supper demands respect and reflection.

Biblical Example: David examined his heart before God and sought cleansing and restoration after his sin (Psalm 51:1-10).

5. THE LAST SUPPER EMPHASIZES FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST
The Lord desires an ongoing relationship with His followers.

a) Jesus Shared the Meal with His Disciples (Matthew 26:20)
The meal reflected intimacy and fellowship.

b) Communion Strengthens Spiritual Relationship (John 15:4)
Believers are called to abide continually in Christ.

c) Unity Is Encouraged Among Believers (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
The Lord's Table reminds Christians of their shared faith.

d) Christ Desires Ongoing Fellowship (Revelation 3:20)
The Lord continually invites believers into deeper communion with Him.

Biblical Example: The early church devoted themselves to fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).

6. THE LAST SUPPER POINTS TO CHRIST'S RETURN
The Lord's Supper not only remembers the past but anticipates the future.

a) Christ Promised a Future Celebration (Matthew 26:29)
Jesus spoke of drinking the fruit of the vine anew in His Father's kingdom.

b) Communion Proclaims His Death Until He Comes (1 Corinthians 11:26)
The ordinance keeps believers focused on Christ's return.

c) The Kingdom of God Is Certain (Luke 22:18)
Christ's promises concerning His kingdom will be fulfilled.

d) Believers Must Live in Readiness (Titus 2:13)
The expectation of Christ's return should influence daily living.

Biblical Example: The faithful servants in Jesus' parables remained prepared for their master's return and were rewarded for their vigilance (Luke 12:35-40).

CONCLUSION
The Last Supper is far more than a historical event. It reveals God's plan of redemption, establishes the New Covenant, and points to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Through the bread and the cup, believers are reminded of the tremendous price paid for their salvation and the immeasurable love of God demonstrated through the cross.

As we reflect on the Last Supper, we must approach the Lord with gratitude, reverence, and faith. We should examine our hearts, strengthen our fellowship with Christ, and live in expectation of His return. Every time believers partake of the Lord's Table, they proclaim the gospel message and celebrate the victory that Christ secured through His death and resurrection.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to appreciate the blessings of the New Covenant in Jesus name.

3. Father, cleanse my heart and make me worthy to walk with You in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deepen my fellowship and communion with You in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to live a life that honours Christ's sacrifice in Jesus name.

6. Lord, strengthen my faith through the power of Your Word in Jesus name.

7. Father, unite Your church in love and spiritual fellowship in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to approach Your presence with reverence and sincerity in Jesus name.

9. Father, keep me prepared for the return of Jesus Christ in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let the power of Christ's blood continually work in my life in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall continually walk in the blessings of the New Covenant.

2. The blood of Jesus shall speak mercy and victory over your life.

3. Your fellowship with Christ shall grow stronger every day.

4. The Lord shall purify your heart and strengthen your faith.

5. You shall live in the power and freedom of Christ's redemption.

6. Every accusation of the enemy against your life shall be silenced by the blood of Jesus.

7. You shall experience deeper revelations of God's love and grace.

8. The Lord shall keep you steadfast and faithful until the end.

9. You shall live in joyful expectation of Christ's return.

10. You shall partake of God's eternal kingdom and rejoice in His presence forever, in Jesus' name. Amen.