The Last Supper and Gethsemane: Jesus' Ultimate Sacrifice

The events of Jesus' last night before his crucifixion are some of the most profound and moving in all of Scripture. From the Last Supper to his agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, we see Jesus preparing to make the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation. Let's explore these pivotal moments in detail and consider their deep significance.

The Last Supper

After celebrating the Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus instituted what we now call the Lord's Supper or Communion. As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying "Take, eat; this is my body" (Mark 14:22). Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many" (Mark 14:24).

In this powerful symbolic act, Jesus was showing that his body would soon be broken and his blood shed on the cross as a sacrifice for sin. The bread and wine represent his body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new covenant relationship between God and humanity.

Jesus was also fulfilling the symbolism of the Passover meal. Just as the Passover lamb was sacrificed to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, Jesus would be the ultimate Passover Lamb, sacrificed to deliver humanity from slavery to sin and death.

During this meal, Jesus also washed his disciples' feet, giving them an example of humble service (John 13:1-17). He gave them his final teachings and encouragement before his arrest and crucifixion (John 13-17). And he predicted both Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial.

The Agony in Gethsemane

After the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. Here, Jesus experienced intense agony as he contemplated the suffering that lay ahead. The gospels describe Jesus as being "deeply distressed and troubled" (Mark 14:33) and his soul as being "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Mark 14:34).

Jesus prayed fervently, asking his Father if there was any other way to accomplish salvation without having to drink the "cup" of God's wrath against sin. Luke's gospel tells us that Jesus was in such anguish that "his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22:44).

Three times Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39). This prayer reveals both Jesus' human desire to avoid suffering and his divine commitment to obey the Father's will at any cost.

In Gethsemane, we see Jesus wrestling with the full weight of what lay ahead:

• The physical torture of crucifixion
• The spiritual agony of bearing the sins of the world
• The relational pain of being forsaken by the Father

Yet Jesus submitted himself fully to the Father's plan, choosing to drink the cup of God's wrath so that we would not have to. His prayer "not my will, but yours be done" marks his total surrender to the mission of redemption.

Meanwhile, the disciples slept nearby, unable to stay awake and pray as Jesus had asked them to. This foreshadowed how they would all abandon him when he was arrested.

The Betrayal and Arrest

While Jesus was still speaking to his disciples after his prayer, Judas arrived with an armed crowd sent by the chief priests and elders. Judas identified Jesus with a kiss, a cruel act of betrayal using a sign of friendship.

When the crowd moved to arrest him, Jesus did not resist. He rebuked his disciples for trying to defend him with violence, saying "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:53). Jesus willingly allowed himself to be arrested, knowing it was part of God's plan.

All the disciples fled, fulfilling Jesus' prediction that they would all fall away. Mark's gospel includes an intriguing detail about a young man, likely Mark himself, who fled naked when the crowd tried to seize him (Mark 14:51-52).

The Trial Before the Sanhedrin

Jesus was first brought before Annas, the former high priest, and then before Caiaphas the current high priest and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. This nighttime trial was illegal according to Jewish law, showing the corrupt lengths the religious leaders would go to in order to get rid of Jesus.

They brought many false witnesses against Jesus, but their testimony did not agree. Finally, the high priest asked Jesus directly, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" (Mark 14:61).

Jesus answered clearly, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62). This was a clear claim to be the Messiah and the divine Son of God, referencing Daniel 7:13-14.

The high priest tore his clothes, accusing Jesus of blasphemy. The council condemned Jesus as worthy of death. Some began to spit on him, blindfold him, strike him with their fists and mock him.

Peter's Denial

Meanwhile, Peter had followed at a distance and was warming himself by a fire in the courtyard. Three times he was accused of being with Jesus, and three times he denied it, just as Jesus had predicted. The third time, Peter began to call down curses on himself and swore, "I don't know this man you're talking about" (Mark 14:71).

Immediately the rooster crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus' words. He went outside and wept bitterly, overwhelmed by the realization of what he had done.

The Significance of These Events

The events of Jesus' last night reveal several profound truths:

1. Jesus' willingness to suffer: Despite his anguish, Jesus chose to go through with the Father's plan of redemption. His love for humanity was greater than his desire to avoid pain.

2. The depth of human sin: The betrayal, abandonment, false accusations, and mockery Jesus endured show the darkness of the human heart apart from God's grace.

3. The weakness of human loyalty: Even Jesus' closest followers fell away when faced with danger, showing our need for God's strength.

4. God's sovereign plan: Despite the evil actions of humans, God was working out his plan of salvation through these events.

5. The necessity of the cross: There was no other way to accomplish redemption apart from Jesus drinking the cup of God's wrath against sin.

6. Jesus' identity as Messiah and Son of God: His claims before the Sanhedrin reveal clearly who he is.

7. The new covenant: In the Last Supper, Jesus established the new covenant in his blood, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

Application for Believers Today

As we reflect on these events, there are several ways we can apply their truths to our lives:

1. Gratitude: We should be overwhelmed with thankfulness for Jesus' willingness to suffer on our behalf.

2. Submission: Like Jesus, we should seek to submit our wills to the Father, even when it's difficult.

3. Dependence: Recognizing our weakness, we should rely on God's strength rather than our own.

4. Confession: We should be quick to confess our sins and failures, knowing that God offers forgiveness and restoration.

5. Remembrance: We should regularly participate in Communion, remembering Christ's sacrifice for us.

6. Service: Following Jesus' example, we should humbly serve others.

7. Loyalty: We should strive to remain faithful to Christ, even in the face of opposition or danger.

8. Trust: Even when circumstances seem dark, we can trust that God is working out his sovereign plan.

Conclusion

The events of Jesus' last night - from the Last Supper to his arrest and trial - are pivotal moments in the story of redemption. They show us the depths of God's love, the reality of human sin, and the way of salvation through Christ's sacrifice. As we meditate on these truths, may we be drawn into deeper worship, gratitude, and commitment to our Savior who gave himself for us.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA6gxXYfc3A&pp=ygUic2RhIHF1YXJ0ZXJseSBsZXNzb24gZm9yIHRoaXMgd2Vlaw%3D%3D