Luke 22:7-20 Bible Teaching

Last Supper Timing and Passover Context

In a recent teaching, we delved into the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, focusing on the Last Supper and its timing in relation to the Passover. Traditionally, it has been taught that the Last Supper was a Passover meal. However, upon closer examination of the Gospel accounts, particularly John’s, it becomes evident that this meal occurred before the Passover.

John’s Gospel emphasizes that the Last Supper took place before the Feast of Passover, which aligns with the Jewish custom of preparing for the Passover by removing leaven from their homes. This preparation day, known as the “Preparation Day of the Passover,” was when Jesus and his disciples gathered for their final meal together. This meal was not the Passover Seder, as the lambs were not yet slaughtered, and the Passover meal was traditionally eaten the following night.

The Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—mention the disciples preparing for the Passover, but this preparation was for the upcoming feast, not the meal they shared with Jesus. The Last Supper was a significant moment where Jesus instituted the New Covenant symbols of bread and wine, representing his body and blood, which would be sacrificed for the sins of the world.

This teaching challenges the traditional view and highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of these events. It underscores the significance of Jesus as the true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice was to be fulfilled in the coming days.