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The Last – Day 17

Matthew 26:17-19

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?” 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 at your house.” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

The Thought

There is no suggestion of last in these verses, but in many Bibles they are subtitled The Last Supper, an event which is known as that throughout the Christian church, where it is celebrated regularly. For some it is a daily obedience, for others a weekly or monthly occurrence. While for some it remains a sacrament celebrated once a year on the Jewish festival.

On this occasion, none of the disciples knew that this would be their last meal with Jesus, only He knew what was coming in the very near future. He tried to tell them as they were round the table together that this would be His last meal with them, but they were not understanding, and only later would they remember what He had said.

The origin of the Passover and the last supper is found in Exodus 12, and was when the Israelites, who at that time were slaves in Egypt, were set free to leave and begin their long journey to their home country. It is still an important festival today amongst Jewish communities all over the world.

Action

The conversation in today’s verses is recorded with almost identical wording in Mark 14:12, and in Luke 22:10. Read one of those passages today and try to imagine the emotions around the table.

That Jesus knew where He was to hold this meal was no surprise to the disciples, they had learned to listen and obey. Ask yourself today if you have learned to do that too. Pray for more clarity in what Jesus is asking of you, and be prepared to obey.

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