Matthew 26:26–29

The Last Supper is important partly because of its connection to the Jewish Passover (see Exodus 12).

The steps of the Jewish liturgy for Passover are as follows:

1. Festal blessing;

2. first cup (see Luke 22:17–18);

3. eating bitter herbs (see Matt 26:23 and corresponding study note);

4. eating unleavened bread (26:26; Mark 14:22);

5. mixing the second cup;

6. reading the Passover haggadah (this is a retelling of the Exodus story, Exodus 12);

7. first part of the hallel (songs of praise, Psalms 113–114; see study note on Psalms 113–118);

8. drinking the second cup;

9. blessing and eating unleavened bread (Matt 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19);

10. eating the Passover lamb;

11. third cup (Matt 26:27–28; Mark 14:23–24; Luke 22:20);

12. fourth cup (see Matt 26:29[?]; Mark 14:25[?]);

13. time for fellowship;

14. second part of the hallel (Psalms 115–118; see Matthew 26:30).

The New Testament stories of the Last Supper do not include every part of a typical Jewish Passover. Yet, they include the key parts that gave meaning to the early Christian celebration of the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist (see 1 Corinthians 11:23–25). Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the ultimate Passover lamb and the perfect sacrifice for sin.

this is My body … My blood: Ever since the Protestant Reformation, there have been three main interpretations of the words of Jesus about the bread and wine:

1. Transubstantiation: The bread and wine are believed to change into the actual body and blood of Christ, while still appearing to be bread and wine.

2. Real Presence: Christ is understood to be truly present in the sacrament in a mysterious but real way that is beyond human understanding.

3. Memorial or Symbolic View: The bread and wine are seen as symbols. The act of sharing them recalls Christ’s death and resurrection, and believers receive spiritual benefit through faith.