Lessons from the Last Night

He Loved Them Unto the End
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“And when the hour had come He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, ‘I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God’ ” (Luke 22:14-16, NASB).

Russ Marten

During the Memorial season, we tend to focus our contemplation of our Lord’s last earthly night in the context of Jesus preparing for his suffering and experiences later that evening. But Jesus’ words and actions indicate that the evening was more about being with those he loved most and preparing the Apostles for their coming mission. Their interaction with our Lord and each other would serve as lessons for the church in dealing with their brethren during the Gospel Age.

Earlier references to Jesus’ death were not taken seriously or fully comprehended by his followers. His instructions to them for the last night were simple. Go to prepare a place for them to celebrate the Passover. Thus, as they gathered in the room, there may have been a light-hearted atmosphere in their conversation. Had the Apostles been fully cognizant of how different things would be in just twenty-four hours, it is unlikely that the first significant event of the evening would have been a debate over their places in the kingdom.

We normally would rely on the book of Luke for being more chronological than the other gospels. But Luke was not in the upper room and must have received the information about that night second-hand. Thus, Luke 22:17-24 may be out of sequence. Events mentioned in these verses (offering the cup and the bread, mentioning Judas’ betrayal) likely took place later in the evening.

After entering the upper room, Jesus would soon call the twelve to the table and let them know how desirous he was of being with them on this occasion. Jesus then implies his imminent death with his allusion to not eating again with them until the kingdom (Luke 22:18). This remark, though, does not change the mood to a more serious one. Instead, it leads to one of contention born of pride and jealousy among some, if not all of the twelve. It is no coincidence that when Jesus informed them of the nearness of his death earlier on their arrival into Jerusalem, the contention over the apostles’ position and importance in the kingdom was also an issue (Matthew 20:18-24).

We all cringe at the thought of the apostles arguing about who would be greatest in his kingdom mere hours before he was to be put to death. Yet, this would be a great learning experience for the apostles then and for the household of faith down through the age.

The Lord used the weakness and selfishness manifest in their argument to show them what was the greatness which he and his Father desired in them. What would be rewarded was excelling in service, developing greater humility and thinking the least, as opposed to the most, of one’s position relative to their brethren. What Jesus would show next was that the greater would be the one who serves the most willingly, and not the one being served.

Washing the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:5-17)

Although John does not mention the “greatest in the kingdom” debate, it seems reasonable that his account of Jesus washing of the Apostles’ feet (John 13:1-20) happens right after this debate. What better way for Jesus to illustrate that a willingness to do the most menial of service to the brethren was the attitude he desired in them and in us.

Foot washing would traditionally be the job of one of the household’s servants to perform for the arriving guests. It was done to wash away not just the dirt but the other products and distasteful things that would usually cling to the feet with the open-toed footwear of the day. It was not a task that any would be desirous of doing. And yet here was Jesus, the greatest among any on the earth, and greatest among any in the spiritual realm save the Father, washing their feet. Symbolically, as the feet are in contact with the world, so are we in our everyday experiences. We are to be conscious of not only our own liability of picking up earthly defilement but also be aware of our brethren in this regard and to assist each other in the removal of the earthly defilements.

We might sympathize with Peter’s indignity as the master approached to wash his feet. “Thou shalt never wash my feet” might have been our initial reaction as well (John 13:8). Jesus’ acts of humility throughout his ministry proved to be an indictment of human pride. This act of humility would be a most painful reminder of the twelve’s shortcomings in his service. Thus, Peter, doing his best to avoid further embarrassment, reacts in a face-saving manner. With Jesus’ reply that he must wash his feet, Peter again sought to hide his personal shame by then expressing the desire to have his whole body be washed.

Institution of the Memorial (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20)

Jesus’ next action was to deal directly with Judas. Jesus first indicated to the group that he was aware that one intended to betray him. This immediately began a discussion concerning the identity of the betrayer. Judas, apparently unrepentant, allowed an even greater influence of the Adversary and was now committed. Jesus indicated to Judas with the sop that he was the betrayer, prompting Judas’ immediate exit.

Now, in the company of purely loyal followers, it was appropriate that Jesus gave the new commandment to love one another. The Law mandated only a neighborly relationship between Jews. This new brotherly relationship, requiring sacrifice, was clearly beyond the Law’s requirement of only doing what was right in treating one another. If we develop love for one another as Christ loved us, it will lead to the giving of our lives for each other. Later, in the company of the eleven, Peter would draw his sword and be ready to die in the defense of the Lord. Yet, only hours later Peter would deny even knowing Jesus. Clearly, Peter’s love for Jesus and his brethren needed further development, so that his devotion and loyalty would not be subject to the very human desire for self-preservation.

Our Lord then began the institution of the Memorial, taking the bread, breaking it and exhorting the apostles to eat of it. The bread primarily represents our Lord’s body. The apostles’ and our eating of it indicates his footstep followers’ willingness to endure similar experiences as part of, and in communion in, this one loaf.

In 1 Corinthians 10:16 (NASB) Paul says, “Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?” The cup, while primarily representing the shed blood of Christ also has a sharing aspect. As bread is composed of many grains ground into flour and then combined in one loaf, likewise wine is composed of the juice of many grapes which become indistinguishable in the resulting wine. The drinking of this cup symbolizes the partakers as sharing in his sacrifice, suffering and shame (Colossians 1:24).

Jesus Going Away to Prepare a Place for the Disciples (John 14:1-6)

Think of the events of the evening: his washing of their feet, the sop to Judas, hearing that they all would be offended, and Peter would deny him three times. At this point, could they not help but be concerned over what he would do or tell them next?  

Our Lord’s statements, captured by John, indicate that he perceived this trepidation. The opening phrase of John 14:1 seems to be an indication of this when he tells them, “Let not your heart be troubled.” His statements that follow are answers to questions unrecorded but previously asked.

Thomas and Philip inquire further. Where are you going? and if you are going to the Father, teach us more about Him.

The real impact of the master’s impending death is finally starting to register. They realize that this is not a case of “if he dies” but “when he dies” and “when” is not far off. Now with the events of the evening and Jesus’ words, they comprehend that his death is imminent. But Jesus is aware and sensitive to their natural human tendencies and emotions. Comforting is what they will need and with this discourse in John chapter 14, he will provide that comfort.

By referring to his death as going to prepare a place for them, Jesus is already giving his disciples assurances of his resurrection and that his love and support for them transcends his passing from the human condition. It clearly suggests that there is work for them with him even beyond their own death. It gives them the purpose and motivation they will clearly need in the days and weeks ahead.

The Sending Of The Comforter (John 14:16-17, 25-26, John 16:5-15)

Jesus goes on in John 14 assuring the disciples that they can be one with the Father (as he is, one in purpose and desire) if they keep their faith and belief strong. They are told they will be taking over Jesus’ work of the Gospel, preaching, performing the healings and such other miracles as he did. All they had to do was approach the Father in his name and he would grant to them what they asked.

Still, the apostles wondered how they would be able to do these things which are beyond human capabilities. Jesus answered that the Father would send the Comforter. They likely had little comprehension of the kind of help this Comforter would be. This Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God manifested to them in and through the process of spirit begettal, would be with them forever. It was not possible for any save the true sons of God to receive it. Not only would this Holy Spirit comfort and give them abilities to continue the work Jesus started, but it would teach and reassure them. It was to be an assurance for not only the early church, but for all his dedicated followers throughout the age.

Jesus knew that they needed reassurance in light of his imminent death. The process of spirit begettal and the subsequent operation of the spirit in their lives likely was beyond their ability to understand at this time. Jesus thus described the Holy Spirit, likening it to a teacher for the sake of their comprehension. Many times spirit manifestations up to this point had been things to dread, works of the devil and his demons. The casting out of spirits had been considered a good work. The helpfulness and desirableness of a spirit begettal from the Father thus must have seemed foreign and strange. Yet, they listened intently to Jesus’ words. They would be able to see and appreciate the things the Holy Spirit would do in aiding their Christian development. At this first real exposure to the concepts behind the nature of the Spirit of God, Jesus kept their minds on the purpose of the Comforter being sent, rather than explain how the Spirit would actually be manifest in them.

The Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth as a teacher would (verse 13). It would not speak for itself (a clear indication that it was the spirit of God) but would (prophetically) show the apostles the course of future events and give them confidence even as they would record future prophetic events in their writings (often with limited understanding).

The Holy Spirit would glorify Jesus in taking what was his, things written of him in the Old Testament and “make it known to you” (verse 14, NIV). It would illuminate their minds so that they could elaborate and teach others of the types and prophetic references of Jesus.

Conclusion

Instead of being concerned for his own welfare on his last night on earth, our Lord was most concerned with the welfare of those that were his. Those he had nurtured for over three years would now face the trial and disorientation of his departure. Yet, they were the foundation and future of the Gospel age church. How do you prepare 11 men from such varied backgrounds and talents to come together in their Master’s absence, go forth to spread the word, and establish and nurture ecclesias that would in turn lay the course and foundation of the ecclesias throughout the rest of the age?

Most would rather do what is natural to the human nature and retreat into one’s comfort zone. But Jesus’ actions, compassion and words for his disciples this evening inspired them as they inspire and encourage us to leave behind the longings of the human nature and become ever more dedicated followers of him. Jesus strongly desired to partake of the Passover and celebrate the Memorial of his death with them that evening. What can be more precious to our minds now than to read this account in the Scriptures and know that the same desire and love he showed for his followers then is what he desires for his followers now.

May we often, and not just in the Memorial season, take comfort and confidence in the lessons of that evening for inspiration and increased determination in serving him to the utmost of our abilities.