THE LAST SUPPER: An Illustration of Love
“So this is my command: Love each other deeply, as much as I loved you. For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13 TPT
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13 ESV
A table set in an upper room, a Passover feast was prepared by Peter and John. The entire city gathered to celebrate the remembrance of God delivering the Israelites from slavery.
This was not just any meal, this Passover meal would be different from any of the previous years they celebrated.
Jesus had long desired to eat this meal with his friends before his suffering would begin, and so he invited those closest to him.
Intentional with his farewell, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples.
Displaying the ultimate example to do just as he had done, He reminded them that "a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger greater than the one who sent them." (John 13:16)
Even in the midst of his betrayal and impending death, Jesus still gathers with his friends and provides them with one of the greatest love covenants of all time; communion.
Like a wedding ring for a bride or groom, this vow would be the promise for all of eternity.
Jesus gave thanks and provided them with a representation to remember His love:
He broke the bread and gave it to his disciples as a symbol of his body to be broken for them.
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
He took the cup in the same way as a symbol of his blood that would be shed.
“This cup is the new covenant between God and His people.”
Love had just been poured out in the purest form of blessing for God’s people to have true spiritual freedom and authority.
The disciples did not understand it at the time, but within a matter of days, they would soon know the deep revelation of God’s plan of reconciliation that was to come for them and for the world.
Love promised and provided all of the answers in the middle of uncertainty.
Love brought Heaven’s reality to earth.
Love made the ultimate sacrifice.
Love paid the ultimate price.
Love is intentional.
Love is a friend.
This is love.
~ Stefanie Rodriguez