The Last Supper (Part 1)
Mark 14: 12-26
Our text today reveals one of the most intimate moments our Lord had with His disciples. It records their last meal together, and the intense emotion experienced on that faithful evening. While the disciples were unaware of the enormity of this moment, Jesus was well aware that His hour was quickly approaching. His time had come, and He would soon embrace the cross as He offered Himself the atoning sacrifice for our sin.
This text offers a beautiful look into this intimate moment, revealing instruction regarding a sacred observance believers continue unto this day. As Jesus offered this final meal with the disciples, He spoke of its great significance, revealing the provision and grace of God for the sin of mankind. Each time we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we do so in remembrance of the provision that was made for our redemption through the gracious sacrifice of Christ our Lord.
As we examine the details within the text, I want to consider: The Last Supper. I pray this study will remind us of the sacrifice that was made on our behalf and increase our devotion to the one who took our place, dying on the cross so we might be forgiven of sin and reconciled to God.
I. The Preparation for the Meal (12-16) – These verses reveal the preparation that was made for the Last Supper. Consider:
A. The Occasion (12) – And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? This was during the time of Passover, and the disciples questioned where the Lord desired to eat the Passover meal. This was a time set aside centuries prior in celebration of God’s mighty hand of provision as the people departed from Egypt. On that faithful night they were expected to offer a lamb as a sacrifice, putting the blood of the sacrifice on the door posts and lintels, preparing the lamb along with bitter herbs and unleavened bread for their meal. This was also referred to as “The Feast of Unleavened Bread.” The order of the meal was as follows:
• They drank a cup of red wine mixed with water, Luke 22:17.
• There was a ceremonial washing of hands which symbolized the need for spiritual and moral cleansing.
• They ate the bitter herbs, which symbolized their bondage in Egypt.
• They drank a second cup of wine, at which time the head of the household explained the meaning of Passover.
• They would then sing the first two of the Hallel Psalms, Psalms 113-114.
• Next, the lamb was brought out, and the head of the household distributed pieces of it with the unleavened bread. The unleavened bread symbolized haste. There was no time to allow the dough to rise before the journey would begin.
• They drank a third cup of wine.
• Then, they would conclude the meal by singing the rest of the Hallel Psalms, Psalm 115-118. (i)
It would be easy to move on in our text and not discuss the Passover any further, but it would be an injustice not to take a moment and consider the prophecy revealed in the Passover and how this celebration, observed for centuries, pointed to the coming of Christ. We must consider the instruction given in Exodus 12.
The feast involved a lamb, Ex. 12:3-8. Notice that Ex. 12:3 called for Israel to choose “a lamb”. This could have been any lamb at all. Then, it is called “the lamb” in verse 4. This refers to the particular lamb that was chosen for the meal. Then, it is called “your lamb” in verse 5. This makes the meal very personal. They were to select the lamb on the “tenth day of the month”, Ex. 12:3, and they were to keep the lamb until the “fourteenth day” of the month, Ex. 12:6. There would be an attachment that would develop between the family and the little lamb. This was intentional, God wanted them to see the high cost of sin. He wanted them to understand that salvation is an intensely personal business. (ii) Our Lord is not just a lamb, He is the Lamb! He alone secured our salvation! In order to be saved by grace and reconciled to God, Jesus Christ must be our Lamb. One must know Him in a personal way in order to be saved. We must repent of sin and receive Him as the sole means of salvation!
Exodus 12:5a – Your lamb shall be without blemish. The Hebrews were instructed to carefully select their lamb for sacrifice. Any ordinary lamb would not be sufficient. This lamb had to be without blemish. God demanded a perfect sacrifice in order for His judgment to pass-over them. In order for our sin to be atoned, there had to be a perfect sacrifice. God alone was able to provide such a sacrifice. Our Lord came to this earth, God robed in flesh, offering Himself the perfect sacrifice for our sin! 2 Cor.5:21 – For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The lamb at the Passover had to be killed, Exodus 12:6-7. Once the lamb was slain, they were to take hyssop and apply the blood of the lamb to the doorposts and lintels above the door. As the Lord came through that night to slay the firstborn, when He saw the blood applied, He would pass-over those houses where the blood had been applied, Exodus 12:22-23. This is a beautiful picture of the sacrifice Jesus Christ would make as the Lamb slain for our transgression. In order for sin to be atoned, the sacrifice had to die. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission. Jesus had to die on the cross to redeem us from sin. Following His sacrificial death on the cross, His blood must be applied in order to cleanse us from our sin and prevent God’s wrath from consuming us. Rev.1:5 – And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. Rom.5:9 – Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Exodus 12:8 – And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. The lamb had to be roasted in the fire in order to appease the righteous judgment of God. The sacrifice shielded them from the horrific judgment to come. As we consider the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf, we are reminded that He endured the wrath of God in our place. The holy, sinless Son of God drank the cup of God’s righteous judgment so we could escape eternal death and be reconciled to God.
We also see in this verse that the lamb had to be eaten, the Jews had to consume its flesh. Again, salvation is personal. Salvation is only available to those who respond to the gracious provision of Christ, coming in repentance and faith in His finished work on the cross! Christ died to redeem the lost, but each one is responsible to receive His provision. John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Eph.2:8-9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
B. The Instruction (13-15) – Jesus gave specific instructions to two of the disciples regarding the place they were to prepare the Passover. They were to make their way into Jerusalem, looking for a man carrying a water pitcher. When they met this man, they were to tell him the Master needed a room to eat the Passover, and he would take them to a large room, already furnished and prepared for the meal. Upon arriving, these two were to make preparations for the Passover.
This may seem very insignificant to some, but it reveals the sovereignty and omniscience of our Lord. He revealed the details necessary for the preparations to be made. The Lord was in control of the smallest of details. He had already provided that which was needed.
That is quite a blessing when we pause to consider it. Our Lord is sovereign over our lives and in control of the smallest of details. He knows our hearts better than we know them ourselves and has already made provision for what is needed in our lives. He is aware of the burdens we carry, the uncertainties we experience, and the fears we face. He knows our weaknesses and is more than able to provide for us. Just as Jesus would provide everything His disciples needed, He takes care of our lives as well. We have received much in Christ!
C. The Devotion (16) – And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. Making their way into Jerusalem, the disciples found everything just as Jesus had described. The man revealed the Upper Room to them and they began to prepare for the Passover meal. This may have seemed like menial work to some, but these disciples were happy to do as the Lord had commanded. They were devoted to Him, fully committed to serve in whatever capacity He desired.
We need that type of devotion today as well. This was a task that took place in a concealed, upper room. No one was around to see what the disciples had done. It may have appeared to be a simple, ordinary task, but Jesus knew the significance of this moment. In fact, these men were greatly honored to have been asked to serve in this capacity. You and I have no way of knowing the impact of our efforts. On the surface they may seem small, but we must remember that our Lord has a plan for our lives and the lives of others. Through our obedience, we have an opportunity to honor the Lord and impact others. I want to be willing to prepare the Upper Room so that I might be able to fellowship with my Lord.
Conclusion: Originally, I had planned to deal with this text in one study, but there was too much to discuss. I would rather take our time and deal with the depth of this passage than rush through and miss such rich detail. We will continue next week and hopefully finish this passage.
Aren’t you thankful for the great sacrifice Christ the Lord made on our behalf. He stood in our place, enduring the judgment of God, dying on the cross so we could escape eternal death and judgment. The saved are justified in the eyes of God through the provision of Christ. Do you know Him as your Lord and Savior? Have you responded to His offer of grace and received Him as your personal Savior? If so, are you committed to serving at His leisure, willing to go and serve as He pleases? If there are needs, come to Christ!
i. The Sermon Notebook - The Sermon Notebook – Mark.
ii. Ibid
