The Last Supper: A Celebration
Michael Joseph Jackson considered the commemoration of the Last Supper as the most important holiday ever. Here’s how it all went down:
Jesus Prepares for the Passover: “On the first day of the festival of unfermented cakes the disciples approached Jesus, asking: ‘What place do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?’ He answered: ‘Go into the city, to the home of the designated man and tell him The Teacher says, “My date with death is near; as prearranged, I’ll celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your place, just as you and I agreed.'” The disciples did as Jesus instructed, and got things ready for the Passover.”-Matt 26:17-19, Carr’s Christian Bible.
Jesus Reveals Knowledge of Betrayer: “It was nightfall, and Jesus was relaxing; lounging in the peaceful atmosphere at the table with his twelve disciples. Then, out of nowhere, while they were eating he said: ‘Guaranteed, one of you will betray me.’ They were shocked out of their senses. ‘I’m not the one, am I?’ each distressed man asked. He replied: ‘He that dips his hand with mine in the bowl is the one that’ll betray me. Granted, the Son of Man is going to die, just as it has been written; but damned is the man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! He would’ve been better off if he hadn’t been born.’ To this Judas, who was about to betray him, said: ‘It isn’t I, is it, Rabbi?’ He said: ‘It is as you said.'”-Matt 26:20-5, CCB.
Jesus Inaugurates Memorial Supper: “As they resumed eating Jesus took a loaf, said a blessing, broke the loaf into pieces, and distributed these to his disciples. He then said: ‘Take this bread and eat it, for, it symbolizes my body.’ Also he took a cup and, and after having given thanks through prayer he gave it to them, saying: ‘Each of you drink from it; because this symbolizes my “contractual blood,” which is pour out in behalf of many, so that their sins are forgiven. You can be assured that from now on I will certainly not drink wine anymore until the day comes when I drink it fresh with you in the kingdom of my Father.’ Finally, after singing praises, they left for the Mount of Olives.”-Matt 26:26-30, CCB.
Jesus Predicts Disciples’ Behavior: “Jesus then said to them: ‘All of you will behave scandalously because of what will happen to me tonight because Scripture says, “I’ll kill the shepherd and the sheep will be forced to scatter.” But after I’ve been resurrected, I’ll meet up with you guys in Galilee.’ But Peter answered: ‘Although the others will behave scandalously because of what happens to you I would never do such a thing!’ Jesus responded: ‘Believe what I’m about to say to you Peter: On this very night, before the crowing of a rooster, you’ll be given three opportunities to say that you know me but each time you’ll deny that we ever met.’ Peter replied: ‘I’d die before I let that happen. I’d never deny knowing you!’ All the other disciples said the same thing.”-Matt 26:31-5, CCB.
Peter Thrice Denies Jesus: “Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. That’s when a servant girl confronted him, accusing: ‘You’re a friend of Jesus the Galilean!’ But he denied it in front of everybody saying: ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ [Feeling anxious, he left the courtyard and went out to the gatehouse.] After arriving there another girl recognized him and said to everyone there: ‘This man is a friend of Jesus the Nazarene.’ And again he denied it, this time with a validating oath: ‘I don’t know the man!’ After some time pass those standing around grew more suspicious. They approached Peter and said: ‘Without a doubt, you are one of Jesus’ friends, for, like him, you speak with a Galilean accent.’ Then he began to curse demonstratively and swear with intensity: ‘I don’t know the man!’ Right after he said this a cock crowed. [When he heard the cock], he remembered that Jesus said: ‘Before a cock crows you will disclaim me three times.’ Bitter in spirit, he then went outside and wept profusely.”-Matt 26:69-75, CCB.
Conclusion: If Michael were here today he would celebrate the Memorial of Christ’s death this Sunday, April 17, after sundown. If interested in attending, contact Jehovah’sWitnesses locally. Peace and blessings to all. Amen.
Dr. Firpo Carr can be reached at
[email protected]. To see article in 33 languages go to www.firpocarr.com/article.html.
