Jesus was crucified on the day after Passover, sacrificing himself as the Passover Lamb to save the world (1 Corinthians 5:7). This meal that Jesus had with His disciples was richly woven around the Passover Feast of the Jews, and was one that Jesus had “eagerly desired” (Luke 22:15; the Greek word expresses very strong desire) to eat with His disciples. Hence the arrangements for it had an air of secrecy, lest Judas—who had already agreed to betray Jesus—acted prematurely to hand Jesus over to the Pharisees (see Luke 22:4–6).

Jesus sent His trusted disciples Peter and John to make preparations (v. 8). Prior arrangements had probably been made, as indicated by the unusual sight of a man carrying a water jar (normally a task for women, Mark 14:13), who showed them the large upper room reserved for the meal (v. 15). Today, we continue to celebrate this meal as the Lord’s Supper, remembering our Lord’s sacrifice for us with deep gratitude.

At the meal, Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him (v. 18). It was particularly treacherous to betray a friend after having a meal with him. Dismayed, each disciple asked Jesus, “Surely you don’t mean me?” (v. 19). We, too, must look inward to examine ourselves. Jesus referred to Judas without naming him, offering him a chance to repent. Jesus would be crucified to fulfil God’s plan, but Judas was responsible for his own terrible sin (v. 21).

Jesus then took, blessed, broke, and gave out the bread, and also the cup (vv. 22–23). He referred to them as “my body” and “my blood”. They underline for us His sacrifice on the cross, and today, when we receive and eat and drink, we are expressing our trust in Him (1 Corinthians 11:26) and are sustained by His life in us (John 6:56). Like Jesus, we must also look up to God with faith and trust, and like the disciples, we look around with brotherly love as we eat the meal as the body of Christ (Psalm 123:1; 1 Corinthians 11:29).

Jesus then pointed to the future when He would drink with His disciples again (Mark 14:25)—at the great wedding feast of the Lamb when He returns (Revelation 19:9). At the Lord’s Table, we also look forward to this day with faith-filled anticipation.