Last Supper

The Last Supper is the final meal that, in the Gospel accounts, Jesus shared with his apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion.^[1]

Major events in Jesus's life in the Gospels
Birth Baptism Temptation Commission of Disciples and Apostles Sermon on the Mount Miracles Entering Jerusalem Cleansing of the Temple Last Supper Promise of the Holy Spirit Arrest and Trial Death and Resurrection Great Commission Ascension Second Coming Prophecy This box: view talk edit

Depictions of the Last Supper in Christian art have been undertaken by artistic masters for centuries, Leonardo da Vinci's late-1490s mural painting in Milan, Italy, being the best-known example.

The Apostle Paul tells of this supper in his first letter to the Corinthians. The Synoptic Gospels all tell of Jesus using the bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood. the Gospel of John does not include those details but tells of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This has led to some Christian groups having a ritual of foot washing as a sign of humility.

The Last Supper is commemorated by Christians especially on Maundy Thursday.^[2] The Last Supper provides the purpose for Eucharist, also known as "Holy Communion" or "The Lord's Supper".^[3]

How it is celebrated

Christian groups have different ways to celebrate this event. The Roman Catholic mass is observed at least weekly. Lutheran, Episcopal and other denominations also do this, but their understanding of its meaning is not identical to that of the Roman Catholics. Other denominations celebrate no more than 4 times a year. Some Christian groups such as the Salvation Army do not celebrate it at all. Churches which celebrate the last supper usually have fixed rituals that are used. This is followed by the believers receiving small pieces of bread and a sip of wine or grape juice. Some churches practice "closed" communion. This means only members of the church can participate. Others, such as Methodists allow all those present to participate. Churches with closed communion may also deny their own members if they are not living according to the rules of the church.

The Meaning of the Celebration

The historical Roman Catholic view is that in the Eucharist the bread and wine actually turn into the real body and blood of Jesus, even though their appearance does not change. This would mean that celebrating the Eucharist adds to the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. They say it takes away pain or guilt from a person for whom it is celebrated. Protestants say this is wrong. They believe that the celebration helps Christians to remember that Jesus died for them. The sacrifice of Jesus was complete and perfect, and nothing needs to be added to it. The Anglican Church states this clearly in Article 31 of their Articles of faith. ^[4]