The Last Supper by Sieger Koder
During Lent we companion Jesus as he makes his journey towards the cross. As we read the key narratives and moments of this story we take time to stop, reflect and notice his experiences and moments of physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual suffering.
Entering into the life of Jesus in this kind of way begins with posture of prayer and a willingness to allow God to engage our imagination as the Father, Son and Holy Spirity breath life into scripture in such a way that it become a time of encounter and transformation.
One of the moments we encounter along the way is the Passover or Last Supper. Traditionally this is a theme for Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday - but let’s rest here a while.
Matthew 26:17-30 NIV
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
PAUSE FOR PRAYER
Take a moment to bring yourself towards a place of stillness. Ask for Gods presence as you enter this time of prayer. Trust that his loving eyes are turned towards you - even if you may not sense this straight away.
Imagine yourself in this upper room.
What do you see, smell and hear? Build a picture in your imagination - use the image if this helps.
Place yourself at his table. Where are you seated?
Notice - what’s drawing your attention?
Move your gaze towards Jesus - how does he seem to you?
Jesus invites you to eat and drink with him. He shares his bread and wine with you. How does this feel?
Spend some time in his presence.
Is there anything you would like to say to Him?
What do you sense Jesus saying to you?
Is there an invitation for you?
As you close - finish in prayer - whatever emerges from your time.