Jesus then led His closest friends in Passover, transforming that beautiful meal into what we know as The Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.
Preparation for Passover took place on the 14th of Nissan—from nightfall on Wednesday to nightfall on Thursday.
The Passover Meal itself took place on the 15th of Nissan—nightfall on Thursday to nightfall on Friday.
According to one first-century historian, the number of sacrificial lambs slain at Passover during this period of time was approximately 260,000 lambs. One lamb was usually offered up for every ten people. Conservative estimates indicate that at least 2,000,000 people had gathered in Jerusalem for the Celebration of Passover.
The Passover Meal included a meal of roasted lamb, bitter herbs, unleavened bread + wine.
It’s very likely that Jesus + His disciples ate this meal together sometime after midnight Thursday night or technically, Friday morning.
Jesus knew He was the ultimate Passover Lamb. He probably remembered the words of His relative John who said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world . . . ” (John 1:29).
In Matthew 26:18 Jesus said, “My time is at hand . . . ”
In other words, “I’m about to die. I’m about to give My life as a ransom. It’s all come down to this.”
The Gospel of John gives us an intense perspective on these moments. John 13:21 says, “Now Jesus was deeply troubled . . . ”
A very similar phrase shows up one chapter earlier in the Gospel of John where Jesus makes this statement:
“Now my soul is troubled + what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it + will glorify it again.” —John 12:27-28 NIV
It’s during this incredibly emotional time that Jesus transforms Passover into Holy Communion. Let’s read the way Matthew describes what took place:
As they were eating, Jesus took some bread + blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces + gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this + eat it, for this is my body.” 27 + he took a cup of wine + gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them + said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God + his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” 30 Then they sang a hymn + went out to the Mount of Olives. —Matthew 26:26-30 NLT
When you combine the narratives in all four Gospels, at this point, Jesus poured His heart out to this inner circle by:
- speaking peace to their fears,
- giving them promises about their future,
- warning them of the plans of the evil one +
- praying for them personally (John 14-17).
He longs to speak the same things to + over us.
Jesus even took the time to worship with them, sing hymns with them + invite His inner circle to join Him in the Garden of Gethsemane for prayer (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26; Luke 22:39).
On Thursday, Jesus spent time with His closest friends + spent even more time with His Father.
Today’s Verse: “Now my soul is troubled + what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” —John 12:27 NIV
Today’s Prompt: Has your soul ever been troubled? If so, did you talk to God about it?
Today’s Gratitude: I am grateful Jesus came to set me free, regardless of what it cost Him.
Today’s Prayer: Father, help me hear Jesus speaking to my fears, giving me promises about my future, warning me of the plans of the evil one + praying for me personally. He did it for His disciples + I know He’ll do it for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
