THE PLACE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER IN THE EVENTS OF THAT FINAL EVENING BEFORE CRUCIFIXION

THE PLACE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER IN THE EVENTS OF THAT FINAL EVENING BEFORE CRUCIFIXION

 

 

lb. There was an historical sequence of events that took place on that final evening before crucifixion. The gospels make it clear that the Lord's Supper was at the very center.

2b. The numerical count of events clearly indicate that that there were three outstanding actions that characterize the evening. There was a washing of the disciple's feet, participation in a meal, and the token of the bread and the cup.

3b. The chronological order of these events is also made perfectly clear. The washing of the disciple's feet came first. This was followed by the eating of a meal. Then came the token of the bread and the cup at the conclusion of the meal.

4b. The mechanical attachment of these events cannot be ignored. The washing of the disciple's feet was introduced at the beginning of the supper. They were already seated at a table, indicating the beginning of the supper when Christ arrested the movement of the supper to perform the feetwashing. The Eucharist was introduced as the supper was drawing to a close.

5b. The gospel record is clear in setting forth a vital relationship in all these forms. All these forms comprised one grand service. It is a mistake to separate these forms into mere mechanical operations. They were aspects of one great movement on that evening. They were bound together by vital ties. So it would be far better to refer to this communion as threefold.

6b. The meaning of these forms indicate that there is a doctrinal relationship. This is the most important item of all. The supper depicted that fellowship was created by the baptism of the Spirit in which all were united in one body. In order to the fullest enjoyment of that fellowship the washing of the feet was necessary to cleanse away the defilement of sin experienced in the daily walk. Sin separates so sin must be removed in order to remind the saints that cleansing of defilement and enjoyment of fellowship was absolutely founded upon the ministry of the Cross the Eucharist came last.