The Last Supper is one of the most significant events in Christianity. It was a farewell meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion.
The Bible provides us with detailed accounts of what happened during the Last Supper, including what Jesus and his disciples ate. Let’s take a closer look at what was on the menu.
The Setting
The Last Supper took place in an upper room in Jerusalem. Jesus and his disciples gathered there to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover. Passover is a commemoration of the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt, and it involves eating specific foods.
The Food
According to the Bible, Jesus and his disciples ate bread and drank wine during the Last Supper. However, this wasn’t just any bread or wine. They were specifically prepared for Passover.
The Bread
The bread that Jesus and his disciples ate during the Last Supper was unleavened bread, also known as matzo. This type of bread is made without yeast and baked quickly at high temperatures to prevent it from rising. Matzo symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt during their exodus.
The Wine
The wine that Jesus and his disciples drank during the Last Supper was likely red wine, as this was common in ancient Judea. However, it’s important to note that this wasn’t just any red wine – it was also prepared specifically for Passover.
In addition to bread and wine, there may have been other dishes served at the Last Supper. The Bible doesn’t provide us with any details about additional food items, but we can make some educated guesses based on what we know about traditional Passover meals.
- Lamb: Lamb is a central component of Passover meals as it represents the sacrificial lamb that was slaughtered for the Israelites to paint their doorposts with its blood, so that the angel of death would pass over their homes.
- Bitter herbs: Bitter herbs are also commonly eaten during Passover. These represent the bitterness of slavery in Egypt.
- Charoset: Charoset is a sweet paste made from fruit, nuts, and wine. It represents the mortar that the Israelites used to make bricks while they were enslaved in Egypt.
The Significance
The Last Supper is significant not only because it was Jesus’ final meal before his crucifixion but also because it established the sacrament of Holy Communion. Christians believe that when they partake in communion, they are symbolically eating Jesus’ body and drinking his blood.
In conclusion, while we can’t be absolutely certain what Jesus and his disciples ate at the Last Supper, we do know that it was likely a traditional Passover meal consisting of unleavened bread and red wine. Regardless of what exactly was on the menu, the Last Supper remains a profound moment in Christian history and continues to be commemorated through Holy Communion today.