The last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples is described in all four canonical Gospels (Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7–39 and John. 13:1–17:26). In the Book of John the Passover is celebrated after Jesus' death, in the Books of Matthew, Mark and Luke Passover occurs before His death. Right before Jesus’ death, he instituted a special meal for his church to observe. Historically, this meal was called the Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving.” Today we call it (Holy) Communion or the Lord’s Supper. The many christian denominations and churches differ on how frequently we should take communion, however all Christians realize that this meal is an important part of our faith. Jesus told his disciples to “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you." These words are heard in Christian Masses across the world, words that were said over 2,000 years ago by our Lord Jesus Christ the night before his death. When we hear these words we should contemplate the Passion of Jesus, His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, and His suffering and death on the cross for all of our sins.
In John's Gospel Jesus is crucified at the same time the lambs are being slaughtered for Passover, symbolizing that Jesus is truly the Lamb of God. The importance of the last meal in John's Gospel is the washing of the disciple's feet and this reminds us that we are all called to serve and care for another. The reason that Holy Thursday is also called Maundy Thursday is because of this Gospel's message..Maundy means command or mandate..and it refers to the scripture verse in which Jesus teaches us "Love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34..
What are some ways that we can "wash the feet" of others in our lives? Do you take Christ's call of service to heart? Let us remember we are always in the holy presence of God and that during the Communion we remember Jesus' life and death.
Matthew 26:17-30 NIV
The Last Supper
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” 23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.