Bread and Wine - Areto ma le Uaina

Scripture Focus: Luka 22:7-23

The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed. He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.” They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare?” He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters. 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?”’ He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.” They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles. He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this, and share it among yourselves, for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes.” He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!” They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.
- Luke 22:7-23 (WEB)

Study:

This passage details the preparations for the Last Supper, the final Passover meal Jesus shared with His disciples. The specificity of Jesus’ instructions regarding the man with the water pitcher highlights His divine knowledge and control over events. The meal itself isn’t just a historical event; it’s profoundly symbolic. Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, transforming the bread and wine into symbols representing His body and blood, offered as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. He declares a new covenant, replacing the old covenant of the Passover with a new one established through His death. The atmosphere is heavy with foreshadowing, as Jesus expresses longing to share the meal one last time before His suffering and predicts His betrayal, setting the stage for the events of the coming days.

Application:

The Last Supper is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. As we participate in communion today, we are not merely remembering a historical event; we are partaking in a spiritual reality, reaffirming our faith in Jesus and acknowledging His ongoing presence in our lives. The betrayal also serves as a solemn warning against hypocrisy and the dangers of sin. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure our allegiance lies with Christ.

Reflection Questions:

• How does the specificity of Jesus’ instructions in this passage demonstrate His divine power?
• What does the new covenant established by Jesus through His blood mean to you?
• How can we, as followers of Christ, avoid the sin of betrayal, both in word and deed?
• In what ways do we remember and celebrate Jesus’ sacrifice in our daily lives?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the incredible gift of your sacrifice. Thank you for establishing a new covenant with us through your blood. Help us to always remember the depth of your love and to live our lives in a way that honors you. Forgive us for any ways we have betrayed your trust and guide us to remain faithful. Amen.

Tags: Last Supper, Passover, Eucharist, Communion, Betrayal, New Covenant, Luke, Holy Week, Jesus Christ, Sacrifice, Faith, Discipleship