The last supper was the only event that Jesus asked his followers to celebrate. “The Lord Jesus took a loaf, and after thanking God, he broke it, saying, This means my body broken for you. Do this in memory of me. In the same way he took the cup after supper, saying, This cup means the new covenant ratified by my blood; as often as you drink it, do it in memory of me. 1 Corinthians 11:24,25 (Moffatt Translation). We understand this to mean an annual observance.

The remembrance of the Lord’s supper celebrates the one and only time Jesus died for the sin of all mankind, guaranteeing their resurrection. “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.  The death he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life he lives to God” Romans 6:9, 10 (NIV).

Partaking of these symbols of the bread and the wine also shows the unity of the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion (common union) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion (common union) of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread” 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NKJV).

The effects of keeping this memorial of Jesus’ death include a closer union with our Lord and a more fervent love and deeper appreciation of God’s gift of “His only begotten son, that all who believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16. 

Additional Resources:
Download the free PDF: “Jesus: The World’s Savior”

Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1171: “How Did Jesus Prepare His Disciples for His Death?”
Absorbing Jesus’ focused teaching on the night before his death
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1069: “What Happened at the Last Supper?”
Revealing hidden gems of Jesus’ care for his disciples
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers, watch this short video:
“What happened at the last supper? (Part 1)”
“What happened at the last supper? (Part 2)”