answersLogoWhite

0

A:The Last Supper of the synoptic gospels was undoubtedly a Jewish Seder meal, celebrated each year at the Passover. Not only was it held on the evening of the Passover, but Mark's Gospel tells us that it took the traditional three hours and was finished by singing a hymn. Because John's Gospel shifts the chronology slightly for theological reasons, to have Jesus crucified on the day of the Passover, this book does not describe a Last Supper, instead having Jesus wash the feet of the disciples.

Burton L. Mack (Who Wrote the New Testament: The Making of the Christian Myth) believes that the format of the Last Supper and its re-enactment by the early Christians actually reflect a pre-Christian tradition. The Hellenistic period saw the emergence of free associations that took the form of clubs or fellowships. These followed the pattern of gathering for meals, conducting business and engaging in social activity. It was customary for an association to take the name of a patron deity ("The Fellowship of Hercules"; "The Company of Dionysos") and to acknowledge the purpose of its gathering by making some reference to the god at an appropriate juncture. At the beginning of the meal was one such appropriate moment. Another was when a round of wine was poured and toasts were to be made. It was then that a small libation to the god was in order and some form of invocation could be uttered.

The Apostle Paul, who seems unaware of the details of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, writes in 1 Corinthians11:23-25 of a tradition he had "received" and passed onto the Corinthians at some earlier time:

"That the Lord Jesus on the night he was handed over took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saylng, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it in remembrance of me."

Mack believes that it is arguable that this earliest reference to the Last Supper was inspired by the Hellenistic associations. Decades later, the author of Mark's Gospel placed it in the context of the Jewish Passover.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Art & Architecture
Related Questions

Is it true that at the last supper Jesus instituted the passover?

Passover existed before the Last Supper, so Jesus did not institute it at the Last Supper. He was celebrating the Passover and instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper.


How is Maundy Thursday celebrated in Christian traditions?

Maundy Thursday is celebrated in Christian traditions as the day when Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples. It is often marked by a special church service, the washing of feet to symbolize humility and service, and the sharing of communion. Some churches also hold a ceremonial meal called the Agape feast to commemorate the Last Supper.


What impact did the last supper have on the renaissance?

The Last Supper was the culmination of all the finest traditions of Renaissance art. It used composition and perspective, as well as psychological and emotional depth in a naturalistic way that was previously unknown. This painting helped set the standard for art during this era.


What was the name of the woman in the Last Supper?

There was not a woman at the Last Supper. The record is below, no woman was present. Jesus had the Last Supper with the 12 apostles.


What does the Last Supper by Durer depict?

The Last Supper is the last meal Christ and his disciples had together.


What day was the Last Supper?

The last supper was a Thursday Christ was crucified on a Friday


When was The Sacrament of the Last Supper created?

The Sacrament of the Last Supper was created in 1955.


When was The Last Supper - opera - created?

The Last Supper - opera - was created in 2000.


Did Jesus have the Last Supper on Passover?

Yes he did. The Last Supper was a Passover Seder.


Where did Judas sit at the Last Supper?

Judas sat next to Jesus at the Last Supper.


Is supper bad?

This was categorized under 'The Last Supper', so I'm going to conclude that you were referring to that. The Last Supper was not bad, however what proceeded the day after and what the Last Supper stood for is rather grotesque.The Last Supper was, in the New Testament, the Last Supper that Jesus ate with his disciples, and the one in which he gave his last words of wisdom. The proceeding day, Jesus was set to be crucified, and hence the celebration of Easter.


What is the first Catholic Mass called?

The Last Supper