The Last Supper in Mark

Answer

1. The Last Supper in Mark

   Mark's account of the last supper is one of the most reviewed segments in the New testament. Mark vividly describes the final time which Jesus spent with his disciples before His arrest, trial and crucifixion. Mark gives an account whereby Jesus' disciples request a room where they could have a Passover meal with Him. He clearly illustrates Jesus' actions and words which transform the known Passover meal into a new ritualistic meal. The Passover meal was known to be a feast used to unite people in both the Gentile and Jewish community. Through the initiation of the last supper, Jesus clearly changes the traditional meaning of this day and gives it a new one. This paper critically analyzes the events evolving around the last supper including the meaning of the actions and words used by Jesus and His disciples.

   Jesus’ Teachings According to Mark's Account

   Mark's account of the last meal clearly brings out the words and actions of Jesus that reminds the disciples of what he had been teaching them before. Jesus insists on breaking of the bread which he compares to his body. He consequently explains to his disciples of the importance of partaking the bread. He further enlightens them of the significance of drinking from his cup which symbolizes his holy blood, (New International Version, Mark, 14). Jesus goes ahead and reminds them of his crucifixion which he already mentioned before. He uses words to explain the events that would occur to him after the last supper. He emphasizes on his mission as the Son of Man to die for the sins of mankind. This is, however, a reminder of what he had already taught them about his passion and death. In conclusion, Jesus used several words and actions to remind his disciples on the teachings about his crucifixion.

    

   Apocalyptic Discourse of Mark 13

   Mark vividly recounts of the actions of the disciples before and after the last meal with Jesus. One of the disciples commented on the massive and impressive buildings. Jesus, however, assured him that the buildings would not remain standing when the Apocalypse reaches. Before the last supper Jesus foretells of a brother betraying another brother to death as one of the signs of the apocalypse. After the last supper Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus with a kiss and hands him over to the soldiers. Moreover, he foretells of brethren being handed over to local councils and being flogged in the synagogues. This prediction later happens after the Passover meal when Jesus is arrested and taken before the Sanhedrin where he is beaten.

    Following the episodes that occurred during the preparation for the last supper, there is clear indication that the disciples wholly trust and believe in Jesus. This is evident during the preparation for the Lord's table when Jesus tasked two of his disciples to follow a man carrying a jar of water who was to lead them to a guest house where they would ask the house owner to make room for them to prepare the Passover meal for their teacher. An aspect of trust and faith is seen when the disciples follow Jesus' instructions without fear or doubt. Afterwards, the events follow just as Jesus predicted hence increasing their trust in him. Furthermore, this events increase their understanding of Jesus as the promised Messiah.

   Jesus analogy of the new covenant

   Jesus is seen to be the mediator between man and God through the new covenant. Through the new covenant, God promises to restore the human race and also promises an eternal covenant. Humanity is promised forgiveness of their sins. The new covenant was, however, predicted while the old was still in effect. Both Moses and Jeremiah predicted about the new covenant in which there would be a complete change in heart among God's people whereby they would remain pleasing before Him. Jesus further elaborates the new covenant through the analogy of the old and new wine skins. Jesus explains that if new wine is put into old wine skins, the old wine skins would tear. However, if new wine is put in new wine skins, the wine would be preserved, (Donnato, 2021). Jesus used this analogy to compare his ministry to that of the old Jewish community. Jesus had come to redeem the world in his own way through interacting with beggars and sinners. This was however contrary to what the Pharisees expected. He emphasized that those were different times and an application of the old way of life would not fit in the new which he was bringing through the new covenant. Therefore, everyone would have to shift from their old way of life to Jesus' new way in order to partake of the fruits from the new life. The new covenant was also different from the mosaic one. In the new covenant, people would have a personal relationship with their maker unlike the mosaic which the community was mediated-by.

   The Last Supper as a Ritualistic Meal for Modern Christians

   Jesus transformed the known traditional Passover to a conventional meal which is celebrated by Christians to date. Through drinking from the cup and sharing of the bread, Christians learn a great deal about discipleship and all the other things around it like sharing and service to others. Through the last supper, Christians are also able to tap into the great knowledge of solidarity through learning to fellowship together and understanding one another. Despite the fact that the last supper occurred centuries ago there is more than enough reason for the ritual to be carried on till generations to come. The last supper has the same meaning even among today’s Christians. This is mainly because all the teachings found in the last meal revolve around service fellowship, love, tolerance and generosity which are all important aspects of a dedicated Christian. Moreover, since all Christians believe in Jesus as their savior they should partake the lords table in his remembrance.

   The main aim of Jesus organizing the last supper was to inform his disciples of the limited time he had with them and to usher in the new covenant which would be sealed through his blood on the cross. The last supper and the events around it are very significant. Therefore, the study of the same is equally important in order to attain more knowledge concerning the matter and also for individual Christian nourishment.the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.