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| "The Lord's Supper" Colour-script-type concept art by Ronald Anthony L. Alcorano The arrangement of the characters in the scene around the table John, Jesus, (Judas already left), Simon the Zealot, Matthew, James the son of Zebedee, Andrew, James the son of Alpheus, Judas Thaddeus, Philip, Nathanael Bartholomew, Thomas, and Simon Peter |
Biblical Narrative
(Here it will feature only the highlights of the scene)
Jesus Sits Down With His Disciples
Now when evening had come, he came and was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God."
He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves, for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes."
There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest. He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.' But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn't it he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves. But you are those who have continued with me in my trials. I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Jesus Announced That Judas Is Going To Betray Him
Now as they were eating, Jesus was troubled in spirit, (and said,) "Most certainly I tell you that one of you who eats with me will betray me. Behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. The Son of Man indeed goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."
They were exceedingly sorrowful. The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke. They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.
One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus' breast. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks."
He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' breast, asked him, "Lord, who is it?" And each began to ask him, "It isn't me, is it, Lord? Surely not I?"
Jesus therefore answered, "He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me. It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it."
So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Judas, who betrayed him, answered, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?" He said to him, "You said it."
After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."
Now no man at the table knew why he said this to him. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus said to him, "Buy what things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. Therefore, having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.
The Lord's Supper
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body which is broken and given for you. Do this in memory of me."
He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. All of you drink it, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me." But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's Kingdom."
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives, as his custom was. His disciples also followed him.
Scriptural References:
The Study Behind the Artwork
What is the Lord's Supper?
The Last Supper, also known as the Lord's Supper, was Jesus' last dinner with his followers in an upper room in Jerusalem, and it served as the catalyst for the establishment of the Eucharist. Four books of the New Testament contain accounts of the Last Supper, which took place the night before Christ was crucified.
Early Christians felt that this institution included a mandate to continue the celebration as an anticipation in this life of the pleasures of the banquet that was to come in the kingdom of God, as shown by the letters of Paul the Apostle and the Acts of the Apostles.
When does the Lord's Supper take place?
It is confirmed by the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and early Christian traditions that the Last Supper took place on Passover. The biblical story states that Jesus dispatched two of his followers to prepare the lunch before gathering the entire group in the upper room. One of them would turn on him, he warned them. Jesus informed them that the bread and wine were His body and His blood of the Covenant after blessing them and giving them to eat and drink. Although the Gospel According to John's account of the Crucifixion suggests that the Last Supper could not have been a Passover feast, many interpreters agree with the Synoptic Gospels' version of events.
What then is the Jewish Passover?
Passover, also known as Pesach in Hebrew, is a religious festival or holiday celebrated annually, mostly by Jews. They observe it in remembrance of the story in the Bible's book of Exodus about how God used Moses to save the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God instructed Moses to set aside this holy week, which was originally known as "the feast of unleavened bread." People engage in specific rituals, feasted on special dishes, and sing songs throughout this period. Every year, Passover occurs in March or April, around the time of Easter.
Comparing the Passover dinner and the Lord's Supper
The Last Supper is referred to as a Passover Seder in the books of Mark, Matthew, and Luke. Written in the early church as tools for evangelism, they place a greater emphasis on Jesus' sayings than on the specifics of his life. The Last Supper was held the day before Passover, according to John, who is typically more trustworthy (at least in terms of biographical material). The treacherous Jews who deliver Jesus to Pontius Pilate in John 18:28 refuse to enter the holy palace because "they wanted to be able to eat the Passover."
How are these two seemingly incompatible stories reconciled by scholars? Although the Last Supper may be "characteristic of the Passover meal, it is equally characteristic of practically any Jewish meal," Jonathan Klawans contends in the Biblical Archaeology Review: "While reclining is unique to Passover, all Jewish meals traditionally begin with blessings over wine and bread." In a similar vein, W.D. According to Davies' The Sermon on the Mount, early Christians who intended to link Jesus' martyrdom to the Jews' deliverance from Egypt were partially responsible for creating the Last Supper-Passover connection. Oxford University professor E.P. Sanders includes the Last Supper in the Passover celebration but avoids addressing the more significant query of whether it was a Passover Seder. Others claim that the accounts of the Last Supper given by John and his less trustworthy disciple-friends are entirely consistent with one another. According to this theory, which was advanced in the 1960s by French biblical scholar Annie Jaubert, Jesus and his followers were following the calendar of the disobedient Pharisee sect, which observed the beginning of Passover one day earlier than the majority of Jews.
What is the Passover Seder?
The Passover Seder is a ritual feast at the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover, conducted throughout the world on the eve of the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar. It is based on the Biblical verse commanding Jews to retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. At the seder, Jews read the text of the Haggadah, an ancient Tannaitic work, which contains the narrative of the Israelite exodus from Egypt, special blessings and rituals, Talmudic commentaries, and Passover songs. Seder customs include telling the story, discussing the story, drinking four cups of wine, eating matzah, partaking of symbolic foods, and reclining in celebration of freedom. The Seder is among the most commonly celebrated Jewish rituals, performed by Jews all over the world.
The Seder Plate
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| The seder plate is also featured in the artwork |
The special plate used during the Passover Seder, known as the "ke'arah," contains symbolic foods. The six things set on the plate each has unique importance for the recounting of the Exodus from Egypt account. A stack of three matzot, the meal's seventh symbolic item, is set on its own plate at the Seder table.
- Maror: Gamaliel claims bitter plants represent the acridity and severity of the Jewish slaves' treatment in Ancient Egypt. Many individuals use whole horseradish roots or freshly grated horseradish for maror.
- Chazeret is made from the bitter-tasting roots of romaine lettuce. Other bitter vegetables such as endive, green onions, dandelion greens, celery leaves, and curly parsley may also be consumed in order to accomplish the mitzvah in addition to horseradish and romaine lettuce.
- Charoset: A fruit and nut paste that resembles the mortar that Jewish slaves may have used to construct the Egyptian storehouses. It is sweet, brown, and pebbly.
- Karpas: A vegetable other than bitter herbs, sometimes parsley or celery or cooked potato, which is dipped into salt water (Ashkenazi custom), vinegar (Sephardi custom), or charoset (Yemenite Jews) at the beginning of the Seder.
- Zeroa: A bone from a roasted lamb or goat that represents the korban Pesach (Pesach sacrifice), a lamb that was offered in the Temple in Jerusalem before being roasted and consumed as part of the Seder supper.
- Beitzah: A roast egg that represents the korban chagigah (festival sacrifice) that was presented in the Temple in Jerusalem and subsequently consumed as part of the supper on Seder night. Typically, this is a hard-boiled egg that has been roasted in a baking pan with some oil, or with a lamb shank.
Matzah - unleavened bread
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| The physical features of Matzah can also bring beauty to Christ's sacrifices. The way it has bruises and it is broken and pierced also brings beauty to Christ's suffering and death. |
An essential component of the Passover festival, which is when chametz (leaven and five grains that, according to Jewish Law, are self-leavening) is forbidden, is matzah, an unleavened flatbread that is a staple of Jewish cuisine. According to the Torah, God commanded the Israelites (today's Jews and Samaritans) to observe the seven-day Passover celebration by eating only unleavened bread.
According to the biblical account, the Israelites left Egypt in such a hurry that they were unable to wait for their bread dough to rise. When the bread was cooked, it turned out to be matzah. (Exodus 12:39). The second justification for eating matzah is symbolic: On the one side, it represents freedom and redemption, but it also serves as "poor man's bread". As a result, it serves as a reminder to maintain humility and to keep in mind what it was like to live in service. Additionally, because leaven "puffs up," it represents pride and corruption. Eating the "bread of affliction" both teaches humility and deepens one's understanding of freedom.
The Four Cups of Wine
During the Seder, it is required to have four cups of wine. Even the destitute are required to drink the four glasses, according to the Mishnah. Each cup is consumed at a particular time during the Seder. The first is Kiddush, the second is "Maggid," the third is Birkat Hamazon, and the fourth is Hallel.
Exodus 6:6-7 states that God would announce his deliverance in four different ways: "I will bring out," "I will deliver," "I will redeem," and "I will take." These four phrases are represented by the four cups.
The setting of the Lord's Supper
(Why Jesus probably did not sit at the centre of the table?)
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| Placing Jesus at the centre is just an artistic licence showing that the central figure of the Lord's Supper was Jesus himself. |
The Last Supper picture by Leonardo da Vinci has captured people's attention around the globe for centuries. But like many other depictions, this one of the Last Supper is quite inaccurate. Because of these depictions, we frequently get the image of Christ occupying the middle of a large table, flanked by two of his disciples. But in analysis, placing Jesus at the centre is just an artistic licence with the purpose that the central figure of the Lord's Supper was Jesus himself.
Thursday evening, shortly after sunset. The upper city of Jerusalem's Mount Zion is home to a sizable upper room where Jesus and the apostles had congregated. Given that it had an upper chamber, the house would have been affluent and the Passover feast's preparations would have been complete.
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| Triclinium imagined as a table in Ancient Israel |
A low table called a triclinium in the shape of a "U" would have been the room's most noticeable feature. A triclinium was a Roman-style table of varying sizes and designs that the Jews of the first century had adopted. Large sofas, or cushions, were positioned on each of the table's three sides, leaving the centre free for entertainment and service. In order to have their right hand free to enjoy the food, the visitors would lie on their left side, facing the inside. Each visitor would then be able to lean on the left-hander's breast. As they ate the feast, a servant might wash their feet because their legs would be pointing outward.
The guests gathered around a U-shaped table or reclined on a U-shaped platform in accordance with the customs of a formal symposium-style banquet, which was the typical tradition of a spectacular feast in the first century AD. The guest lounged on couches that extended outward from the banquet table in this triclinium, a feast room decorated in a Greek/Roman style.
The Lectus imus, the table to the left of the inverted U, was always occupied by the host. According to Bible historians, here is where Jesus stood during the Last Supper when He assumed the role of the Host. Scripture says that the layout would have been as follows:
- Jesus is in the second position at the Lectus imus, serving as Host
- Judas, in the place of the locus consularis (chief consulor), who as the honoured guest is the first to receive the "sop," seated to Jesus' left (John 13:26)
- John, on Jesus' right (actually John and Jesus were sharing the same couch since the Gospel of John records that John leaned against Jesus' chest, which places him to Jesus' right (see John 13:25)
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| Possible position of Jesus at the table |
Free men sat down to dine while slaves stood. Jews ate as free men while reclining in the first century AD, supporting themselves with their left arm while using their right hand to eat. The higher positions of rank increased to the host's left in accordance with the formal arrangement of a banquet following the seats on each side of him or her. The most significant invited guests were seated at the Lectus suma table, which was the furthest left of the host. From this table, they could easily converse with the host, who was lounging on his left arm. There were also two stools at the end of each arm of the U where the servants sat who assisted in the ritual hand washing during the meal and in serving and passing the food and the four communal wine cups.
In that scenario, Peter would have been in the position of servant. The task of washing the visitors' feet would have fallen to the staff members. Therefore, it would imply that Jesus was instructing His disciples even though He was aware that He was about to die. This is supported by John 13:6 and 8, which state that as Jesus approached Simon Peter, he asked him, "Lord, dost thou wash my feet?" and "Peter replied, "Thou shalt never wash my feet. If I wash thee not, thou hast no share with me.".
Also by seating John, the youngest of the disciples, in the most position and sitting Peter, considered the chief of the disciples, in the servant's seat, Jesus seems to be fortifying his answer to the question of which disciple was the greatest in Luke 22:26-27, "But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth."
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| Even the earliest depictions of the Last Supper did not place Jesus at the centre. |
Harmonising the Passover Seder the Lord's Supper
Preparation before the Passover
On the first day of unleavened bread, Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare the Passover for him. He told them to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water into a large, furnished upper room and tell the master of the house where the guest room is. The disciples did as he had told them and prepared the Passover in the upper room.
Matt 26:17-19 Mark 14:12-16 Luke 22:7-13(Summarised)
The preparation for the Passover dinner was carried out very carefully during the day. The room needs to be cleansed getting rid of every leaven as it is forbidden at the time of Passover. As with the case of Jesus and his disciples, Peter and John were sent out to buy food and rent a room for the Passover dinner. (Luke 22:7-13) As they entered the upper room, they reclined at the table called Triclinium. But first, they need to wash their feet as they came from the journey. Here, Jesus, the host of the dinner washes the feet of his disciples. (John 13:1-20)
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| Jesus washes the disciples feet Credit: Answers in Genesis |
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into the basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:3-5
The Passover Seder
Now when evening had come, he came and was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God."Luke 22:14-16
The order and procedures of the Seder are stated and printed in the text of the Passover Haggadah, a copy of which is in front of all participants. Jewish children learn the following words, denoting the order of the Seder, with a rhyme and tune at their Jewish schools:
Kaddesh (קדש). Urchatz (ורחץ). Karpas (כרפס). Yachatz (יחץ). Maggid (מגיד). Rochtzah (רחצה). Motzi Matzah (מוציא מצה). Maror (מרור). Korech (כורך). Shulchan Orech (שלחן עורך). Tzafun (צפון). Barech (ברך). Hallel (הלל). Nirtzah (נרצה).[14]
Kiddush (blessings and the first cup of wine)
He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves, for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes."
Luke 22:17-18
The seder meal begins with kiddush and the first of four cups of wine that will be enjoyed during the seder. Each participant's cup is filled with wine, and the blessing is recited aloud, then everyone takes a drink from their cup while leaning to the left. (Leaning is a way of showing freedom, because, in ancient times, only free people reclined while eating.)
"Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who has chosen us from among the peoples, exalting us by hallowing us with mitzvot. In Your love, Adonai our God, You have given us Shabbatot of rest, feasts of gladness and seasons of joy; this Shabbat day and this festival of Pesach, season of our freedom, a sacred occasion, a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt. For You have chosen us from all the peoples and consecrated us to Your service, and given us Shabbat, a sign of love and favor, and the Festivals, a time of gladness and joy. Amen"
Urchatz (Purification/Handwashing)
Water is poured over the hands to symbolize ritual purification. Traditionally a special hand-washing cup is used to pour water over the right hand first, then the left. On any other day of the year, Jews say a blessing during the handwashing ritual, but on Passover, no blessing is said.
Karpas (Appetizer)
A blessing over vegetables is recited, and then a vegetable such as lettuce, cucumber, radish, parsley or boiled potato is dipped in salt water and eaten. The saltwater represents the tears of the Israelites that were shed during their years of enslavement in Egypt.
Yachatz (Breaking the Matzah)
In the Passover meal. there is a bag that has 3 pockets holding each 1 matzah. Here, the host takes the matzah that is in the second pocket which is in the middle and breaks it in half. The smaller piece is then put back between the remaining two matzot. The larger half becomes the afikomen, which is placed in an afikomen bag or wrapped in a napkin and is hidden somewhere in the house for the children to find at the end of the seder meal.
The 3 matzahs in a bag bring beauty to the union of the 3 persons of Godhead which is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The middle matzah represents the Son which came into the world as a man. This matzah was wrapped in a napkin and was hidden and was taken and shared in as afikomen represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and we all must partake of him as the memorial of his death.
Maggid (Telling the Passover Story)
The Four Questions are first posed by the youngest person at the table (often a youngster). Participants will frequently respond to these questions by alternately reading from the Haggadah, with each question varying on the theme.
Why is this night different from all other nights?
- Why is it that on all other nights during the year, we eat either leavened bread or matza, but on this night we eat only matza?
- Why is it that on all other nights, we eat all kinds of vegetables, but on this night we eat bitter herbs?
- Why is it that on all other nights, we do not dip [our food] even once, but on this night we dip them twice?
- Why is it that on all other nights, we dine either sitting upright or reclining, but on this night we all recline?
Participants place a drop of wine onto their plates with a finger (often the pinky) as each of the ten plagues that fall unto Egypt is read aloud. Everyone now reclines and enjoys their wine after discussing the numerous symbols on the seder plate.
Rochtzah (Handwashing Before the Meal)
Participants wash their hands again, this time saying the appropriate netilat yadayim blessing. After saying the blessing, it is customary not to speak until the recitation of the ha'motzi blessing over the matzah.
Motzi (Blessing for the Matzah)
While holding the three matzot, the leader recites the ha'motzi blessing for bread. The leader then places the bottom matzah back on the table or matzah tray and, while holding the top whole matzah and the broken middle matzah, recites the blessing mentioning the mitzvah (commandment) to eat matzah. The leader breaks pieces from each of these two pieces of matzah and provides them for everyone at the table to eat.
Matzah
Everyone eats their matzah.
Maror (Bitter Herbs)
Because the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, Jews eat bitter herbs as a reminder of the harshness of servitude. Horseradish, either the root or a prepared paste, is most often used, although many have taken on the custom of using the bitter parts of romaine lettuce dipped into charoset, a paste made of apples and nuts. Customs vary from community to community. The latter is shaken off before the recitation of the commandment to eat bitter herbs.
Korech (Hillel Sandwich)
Next, participants make and eat the "Hillel Sandwich" by putting maror and charoset between two pieces of matzah broken off of the last whole matzah, the bottom matzah.
Shulchan Orech (Dinner)
At last, it's time for the meal to begin! The Passover seder meal usually begins with a hard-boiled egg dipped in salt water. Then, the rest of the meal features matzah ball soup, brisket, and roasted lamb along with some desserts.
In the case of Jesus and his disciples, as they are now eating the main meal, he then declares that one of his disciples will betray him which is revealed to be Judas Iscariot. Jesus, therefore, sends Judas out before the Afikomen. ((Matt 26:21-25 Mark 14:18-21 Luke 22:21-23 John 13:21-30)
When Jesus said this, He was troubled in spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom He spoke.
Now there was leaning against Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples whom Jesus loved. Leaning back against Jesus’ bosom, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. After receiving the piece of bread, Satan entered him.
Then Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” But no one at the table knew why He said this to him. Since Judas had the moneybox, some thought that Jesus said to him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. Having received the piece of bread, he then left immediately. And it was night.
John 13:21, 25-30
Tzafun (Eating the Afikomen)
After dessert, participants eat the afikomen. As it's been said earlier, this afikomen is a larger half of the middle matzah that was wrapped and hidden. so it has to be returned to the seder host at this point. In some homes, the children actually negotiate with the seder leader for treats or toys before giving the afikomen back.
Once the afikomen was returned, the host will break the afikomen into pieces and distribute them to the participants for them to partake in the afikomen. After eating the afikomen, which is considered the seder meal's "dessert," no other food or drink is consumed, except for the last two cups of wine.
At this point, Jesus introduces an entirely new type of meal. He takes this afikomen, says a prayer of thanks, breaks it, and gives it to his apostles to eat, he declares that this afikomen means his body which is broken to them and they have to keep doing it to remember him. (Luke 22:20) (This is the moment the artwork depicts)
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body which is broken and given for you. Do this in memory of me."
Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22, Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:23
This matzah that was wrapped in a napkin and was hidden and was taken and shared in as afikomen represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and we all must partake of him as the memorial of his death.
Barech (Blessings After the Meal)
The third cup of wine is poured for everyone, the blessing is recited, and then participants drink their glass while reclining.
The Cup of Redemption is the third cup of the Passover Seder and is the first cup to be drunk after the meal. It is believed that it is the Cup of Redemption that Jesus instructed the disciples to partake of in the last supper since both accounts in Matthew 26:27 and Luke 22:19 describe the cup being taken after the meal. The Cup of Redemption traditionally signifies the slaying of the Passover lamb that spared the Israelites from the 10th plague of the slaying of the firstborn. This cup traditionally remembers how the Lord redeems Israel with an outstretched arm.
Therefore, it is so very poignant when Jesus tells His disciples that the wine in this cup is “My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” As the blood of the Passover Lamb covered the believing Israelites and Egyptians back in Egypt, so the blood of Jesus covers Jewish and Gentile believers today!
He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. All of you drink it, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me. But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's Kingdom."
Matthew 26:27-28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25
Then, an additional cup of wine is poured for Elijah in a special cup called Elijah's Cup, and a door is opened so that the prophet can enter the home. The Jews believed that Elijah must come first before the Messiah's arrival. (Malachi 4:5-6) But it was already fulfilled as the Elijah the Prophet Malachi referring to was John the Baptist who "prepares the way of the Lord".
Thus Jesus arranges for a memorial of his death that his followers are to hold each year on Nisan 14. It will call to mind what Jesus and his Father have done to enable men of faith to escape from the condemnation of sin and death. Even more so than the Passover for the Jews, it highlights true liberation for believing in mankind. This makes the Jewish Passover obsolete.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
1 Corinthians 11:26-32
The mentioned biblical verses can also explain why Judas was sent out before the Lord's Supper as some people believed that he is unworthy to partake in the Lord's Supper.
Hallel (Songs of Praise)
The door is closed and everyone sings songs of praise to God before drinking the fourth and final cup of wine while reclining. As with the case of Jesus and his disciples, before they left the room, they sung a hymn first. (Matthew 26:30)
Nirtzah (Acceptance)
The seder is now officially over, but most homes recite one final blessing: L'shanah haba'ah b' Yerushalayim! This means, "Next year in Jerusalem!" and expresses the hope that next year, all Jews will celebrate Passover in Israel.
(End of the seder)
After the seder, Jesus then delivers a series of discourses before they left the upper room. The apostles become involved in a heated dispute over which one of them was considered to be the greatest. (Luke 22:24) Jesus calmly explains to the apostles: "The kings of the countries lord it over them, and those having control over them are called Benefactors. But you shouldn't be like that. Which is greater, the person eating or the person serving? But I am among you as the one serving," Jesus continues, reminding them of the example he has always provided for them. (Luke 22:25–27.)
Jesus declares: "I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom." (Luke 22:29) These men are Jesus' devout adherents. He promises them that they will be in the Kingdom and participate in his regal reign as a result of a covenant he will make with them. And also warns them of his soon parting and of Peter's Denial, he also gives them a new commandment to love one another. (Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:27-31, Luke 22:31-38, John 13:31-38)
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
Artistic licence behind the artwork.
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| The colour layer of the artwork with no lineart and no shadows and highlights |
Character designs
Since the artist doesn't really know what the characters of the scene really looked like, the artist can only make educated guesses about what they may look like along with their outfits with some inspirations from previous artworks.
Here, the character designs for the apostles were inspired by the icons used by Orthodox churches as they have been the standard since early Christians on how they have been looked like. In this character design, the beardless disciples were John, Thomas and Philip. Some already have white hair but they are in their 30s probably as they desired to follow Jesus.
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| Twelve Apostles icon |
However, the artist has to keep the researched main features of how ancient Israelites may have looked retained in the character design. These features are that they have black wavy hair, dark skin, brown eyes and early wrinkles due to the hot climate of Israel. most of middle eastern men also preferred to grow beards. Because they are Jews, they also keep the side of their hair long which is known as "payot".
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| Richard Neave's depiction of an ancient man from Galilee |
In the case of Jesus, it is impractical that Jesus had long hair because it is not very common in his country and also Apostle Paul declared in his epistle that it is by nature that it is a shame that men had long hair for it is meant for women as it is been their very veil. (1 Corinthians 11:14-15). The artist then took inspiration from Akiane's painting "Prince of Peace" for the hairstyle while retaining the main features of the looks of ancient Israelites.
In order to put a classical feel to the artwork. The artist took inspiration from the paintings of James Tissot, William Hole and Harold Copping for their outfits as these artists went to Israel to take inspiration for their biblical artworks. In their artworks, Jesus always wore white which is just an artistic licence to convey that Jesus is the Son of God. But in the concept artwork, Jesus was just like the apostles wearing just a common outfit. Also in the artwork, all of them wore the Jewish headgear called "kippah". To make it distinct, Jesus is the only person who wears the Jewish prayer shawl called "tallit".
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| "Pentecost" by Harold Copping |
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| Kippah and Tallit |
The artist also uses colour swatches from the official page of an upcoming CGI movie "The David Movie" to keep the colours of the characters' outfits accurate. As with their case, none of them has a purple colour in their outfits for it is the most expensive colour, therefore, it's reserved only for royalties. The staff behind the upcoming movie did a lot of research for their project.
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| How was fabric dyed during David's time? Credit to Sunrise Animation Studios the studio behind the upcoming David movie |
Therefore, the upcoming project of the artist behind the featured artwork is to make model sheets featuring the character designs for the characters in the artwork in order to make keep an eye on what they are wearing.
This artwork is the first version of the artist's depiction of the subject. And it is been planned that in the future, there will be a remake of this artwork which will be much more detailed in its elements (Especially on what was on the table) than this concept artwork, that's the reason why the artist saved the colour layer of the artwork and the lineart was actually done on sketchbook.
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There you have it. I really hope you like this blog about this artwork. Feel free to comment if you have questions. God bless.
References
- Last Supper. (2022, July 27). In Wikipedia. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Supper
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). Last Supper | Definition, Description, Significance, & Art. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Last-Supper-Christianity
- Lukas, M. D. (2010, March 29). Was the Last Supper really a Passover Seder? Slate Magazine. https://slate.com/human-interest/2010/03/was-the-last-supper-really-a-passover-seder.html
- Passover Seder. (2023, April 11). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_Seder
- Matzah. (2023, April 11). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matzah
- Last Supper Triclinium. (n.d.). https://www.agapebiblestudy.com/charts/Last_Supper_triclinium.htm
- THE LORDS SUPPER | Jesus&Judas. (n.d.). Jesus&Judas. https://www.jesus-judas.com/the-last-supper
- A Composite of the four Gospels, Volume 3. The four Gospels are combined into a single text, not four side-by-side parallel Gospels. (n.d.). http://creation-science-prophecy.com/compositeBible/aCompositeGospel3.html
- Pelaia, A. (2019). The Order and Meaning of the Passover Seder. Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-a-passover-seder-2076456
- Jesus Teaches Humility at the Last Passover | Life of Jesus. (n.d.). JW.ORG. https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/jesus/final-ministry/teaches-humility-at-last-passover/
- The Lord’s Evening Meal on Nisan 14 | Life of Jesus. (n.d.). JW.ORG. https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/jesus/final-ministry/lords-evening-meal/
- Apostles Argue About Who Is the Greatest | Life of Jesus. (n.d.). JW.ORG. https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/jesus/final-ministry/apostles-argue/
- Guillopo, S. (2017). Cup of Redemption: The Third Cup of the Seder. Messiah in the Passover. https://messiahinthepassover.com/cup-of-redemption/