The Last Supper: Passover Meal or Pre-Passover Supper?

 

The timing and nature of the Last Supper as described in the New Testament Gospels present a complex yet fascinating theological discussion. Was it a traditional Passover Seder that Jesus shared with His disciples, or was it a distinct meal held before the actual Passover? This document explores the implications of each perspective and seeks to understand Jesus' intentions behind the Last Supper.

 

Gospel Accounts and Theological Implications:

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) appear to describe the Last Supper as a Passover meal, explicitly mentioning the preparation for the Passover and Jesus’ desire to eat it with His disciples. This has traditionally been interpreted to mean that the Last Supper included Passover elements. However, the Gospel of John suggests a different timeline, indicating that Jesus died when the Passover lambs were being slaughtered, which would align His crucifixion with the Passover but place the Last Supper before it.

 

Symbolic vs. Literal Fulfillment:

Jesus' role as the Passover Lamb emphasizes a symbolic fulfillment of the Passover. While traditional Passover elements are essential, Jesus’ death aligns with the Passover conceptually more than temporally. He redefines the Passover elements (bread and wine) during the Last Supper, focusing on His impending sacrifice rather than traditional Jewish customs.

 

The Timing of the Last Supper:

Considering John’s account, it is possible that the Last Supper was not a conventional Seder but a preparatory meal that Jesus used to institute the New Covenant. This interpretation allows for Jesus to be viewed as the sacrificial Lamb whose death coincides with the Passover sacrifices, fulfilling the symbolism of the Old Testament Passover.

 

Conclusion:

The Last Supper marks a significant transition from Old Covenant practices to the New Covenant. Whether it was a traditional Seder or a pre-Passover meal, the essential point remains: Jesus used this occasion to set forth the commemoration of His death and resurrection, which is central to Christian faith.

 

 

 

Referenced Scriptures (LSB):

 

Matthew 26:17-19, “Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am keeping the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’”19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.”

 

Mark 14:12-16, “And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?”13 And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him;14 and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’15 And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.”16 And the disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.”

 

Luke 22:7-15, “Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.8 And Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it.”9 And they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare it?”10 And He said to them, “Behold, after you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters.11 And you shall say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’12 And he will show you a large, furnished upper room; prepare it there.”13 And they left and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

 

The Lord’s Supper

14 And when the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him.15 And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;”

 

 

The following scriptures suggest the Last Supper occurred before the Jewish Passover:

 

John 13:1, “Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.”

 

John 18:28, “Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. 

 

John 19:14, “Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!””