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[Rick Warren]

Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session

 

Today’s Presentation

 

Paper 179 - THE LAST SUPPER

 

[INTRODUCTION]

 

   DURING the afternoon of this Thursday, when Philip reminded the Master about the approaching Passover and inquired concerning his plans for its celebration, he had in mind the Passover supper which was due to be eaten on the evening of the next day, Friday. It was the custom to begin the preparations for the celebration of the Passover not later than noon of the preceding day. And since the Jews reckoned the day as beginning at sunset, this meant that Saturday’s Passover supper would be eaten on Friday night, sometime before the midnight hour.

 

^{(1936.2)179:0.2} The apostles were, therefore, entirely at a loss to understand the Master’s announcement that they would celebrate the Passover one day early. They thought, at least some of them did, that he knew he would be placed under arrest before the time of the Passover supper on Friday night and was therefore calling them together for a special supper on this Thursday evening. Others thought that this was merely a special occasion which was to precede the regular Passover celebration.

 

^{(1936.3)179:0.3} The apostles knew that Jesus had celebrated other Passovers without the lamb; they knew that he did not personally participate in any sacrificial service of the Jewish system. He had many times partaken of the paschal lamb as a guest, but always, when he was the host, no lamb was served. It would not have been a great surprise to the apostles to have seen the lamb omitted even on Passover night, and since this supper was given one day earlier, they thought nothing of its absence.

 

^{(1936.4)179:0.4} After receiving the greetings of welcome extended by the father and mother of John Mark, the apostles went immediately to the upper chamber while Jesus lingered behind to talk with the Mark

family.

 

^{(1936.5)179:0.5} It had been understood beforehand that the Master was to celebrate this occasion alone with his twelve apostles; therefore no servants were provided to wait upon them.

 
 
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]

[Rick Warren]

.

 

Greetings Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors!

 

WELCOME to the OPAD presentation of Paper 179. It has five Sections, eight pages, and the details of the apostles' final meal with the Master on the evening of April 6, AD 30, at the home of John Mark, the same one who is credited with authorship of the New Testament Gospel of Mark.

 

Overview of Paper 179. The Last Supper

1. The Desire for Preference
2. Beginning the Supper
3. Washing the Apostles’ Feet
4. Last Words to the Betrayer
5. Establishing the Remembrance Supper

 

This group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.

 

 

Synopsis of Paper 179:

 

The apostles arrived at John Mark's house, wondering why Jesus had decided to celebrate Passover one day early. They went immediately to the upper chamber while Jesus spoke with the family downstairs.

 

As the apostles entered the supper room, they noticed water pitchers, basins, and towels that were set aside for washing their feet. Noticing that no servant was present to perform this task, they began to wonder which of them would have to act the servant and wash the feet of the others. Looking at the table that was prepared for them, they also wondered whether they should seat themselves, or wait for Jesus.

 

Judas went to the seat of honor at the left of the host's seat, and sat down. The others fell into dispute. John Zebedee immediately sat in the next highest seat, at the right of the host. Peter became angry that these two would presume to seat themselves nearest the Master, and so he marched around the table to sit at the lowest seat, hoping that Jesus would call him to displace one of those in the most honored seats. The rest of the apostles chose places around the table, continuing their arguments until Jesus appeared and took his seat.

 

James Alpheus brought Jesus the first cup of water and wine, and Jesus held the cup saying, "Take this cup and divide it among yourselves and when you partake of it, realize that I shall not again drink with you the fruit of the vine since this is our last supper. When we sit down again in this manner, it will be in the kingdom to come."

 

After drinking the first cup, Jewish custom dictated that the host should wash his hands. Knowing that Jesus never observed this rite, the apostles were curious when they saw him rise from the table and move toward the water pitchers. They were shocked when the Master poured water into one of the foot basins and prepared to wash the feet of Simon Peter. As Jesus knelt before Peter, all twelve men rose to their feet in amazement.

 

Embarrassed, Peter asked Jesus if he really intended to wash his feet. Jesus replied, "You may not fully understand what I am about to do, but hereafter you will know the meaning of these things." Peter exclaimed, "Master, you shall never wash my feet!" And each of the apostles nodded their agreement.

 

Jesus said, "Peter, I declare that if I do not wash your feet, you will have no part with me in that which I am about to perform." Peter thought for a moment and said, "Then, Master, wash not my feet only but also my hands and my head." Jesus set about to wash each of the apostles' feet in turn.

 

When Jesus finished, he asked his followers what lesson they thought they should learn from the fact the their Master had so willingly done a service that they refused to do for each other. He spoke of how his life had been one of service to them, and told them that they were slow to realize that greatness in the spiritual kingdom is not obtained the same way as power in the material world. He chastised them for arguing among themselves about the seating arrangements and compared their behavior to that of the Pharisees. He told them that he loved each of them just as he did the others and that there was no place of preferment at his table.

 

During the second course, the Master told them again that he would not be with them the next evening. "Now has my hour come, but it was not required that one of you should betray me into the hands of my enemies." When the twelve heard this remark, they began to look at each other and inquire, "Is it I?" When Judas asked, Jesus replied, "You have said." The others didn't hear the words Jesus spoke to Judas. They continued to murmur among themselves until Jesus said, "I sorrow that this evil should have come to pass and hoped even up to this hour that the power of truth might triumph over the deceptions of evil, but such victories are not won without the faith of the sincere love of truth."

Jesus then leaned over to Judas and told him to go quickly. Judas rose from the table and left the room. The other men, seeing him leave, assumed that Jesus had sent Judas out on some errand and still did not guess that he was the traitor.

 

Over the third cup of wine, Jesus said, "Take this cup, all of you, and drink of it. This shall be the cup of my remembrance. This is the cup of the blessing of a new dispensation of grace and truth. This shall be to you the emblem of the bestowal and ministry of the divine Spirit of Truth. And I will not again drink this cup with you until I drink in new form with you in the Father's eternal kingdom."

 

And when they finished, Jesus broke the bread, saying, "Take this bread of remembrance and eat it. I have told you that I am the bread of life. And this bread of life is the united life of the Father and the Son in one gift. The word of the Father, as revealed in the Son, is indeed the bread of life." They meditated for a few moments, and Jesus said, "When you do these things, recall the life I have lived on earth among you and rejoice that I am to continue to live on earth with you and to serve through you." They ended the Passover meal by singing the 118th Psalm.

 

Synopsis Source

 

***

 

Evidently some of the apostles still don't get that Jesus' death is less than a day away. From today's reading, 179's introduction:

 

...The apostles were, therefore, entirely at a loss to understand the Master’s announcement that they would celebrate the Passover one day early.... ^{(1936.2)179:0.2}

 

By the time the rest of Jerusalem is enjoying their Passover meal on Friday night, his body will be unihabited. In about 24 hours the life of Joshua ben Joseph of Urantia will be over and done.

 

About the reference to no lamb:
 

...He had many times partaken of the paschal lamb as a guest, but always, when he was the host, no lamb was served.... ^{(1936.3)179:0.3}

 

From Paper 127, when Jesus was still and adolescent:

 

...Jesus now proposed that they celebrate the feast where they were, at Lazarus’s house. “But,” said Lazarus, “we have no paschal lamb.” And then Jesus entered upon a prolonged and convincing dissertation to the effect that the Father in heaven was not truly concerned with such childlike and meaningless rituals.... ^{(1404.5)127:6.6}

 

***

 

MAP SOURCE

 

 

The Cenacle, also known as the "Upper Room", is a room in Jerusalem traditionally held to be the site of The Last Supper. The word is a derivative of the Latin word cena, which means dinner. In Christian tradition, based on Acts 1:13, the "Upper Room" was not only the site of the Last Supper (i.e. the Cenacle), but the usual place where the Apostles stayed in Jerusalem, and according to the Catholic Encyclopedia "the first Christian church".

 

 

 

PHOTOS/TEXT SOURCE

 

 

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Tomorrow’s reading is Section 1. The Desire for Preference. The apostles wonder who will wash their feet before the meal, then jockey for position like spoiled and selfish children, to Jesus' great disappointment.

 

Listen to Paper 179: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)

 

Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.

 

Much love, Rick/OPAD host.

[Rick Warren]

Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session

 

Today’s Presentation

 

Paper 179 - THE LAST SUPPER

 

1. The Desire for Preference

 

   When the apostles had been shown upstairs by John Mark, they beheld a large and commodious chamber, which was completely furnished for the supper, and observed that the bread, wine, water, and herbs were all in readiness on one end of the table. Except for the end on which rested the bread and wine, this long table was surrounded by thirteen reclining couches, just such as would be provided for the celebration of the Passover in a well-to-do Jewish household.

 

^{(1936.7)179:1.2} As the twelve entered this upper chamber, they noticed, just inside the door, the pitchers of water, the basins, and towels for laving their dusty feet; and since no servant had been provided to render this service, the apostles began to look at one another as soon as John Mark had left them, and each began to think within himself, Who shall wash our feet? And each likewise thought that it would not be he who would thus seem to act as the servant of the others.

 

^{(1937.1)179:1.3} As they stood there, debating in their hearts, they surveyed the seating arrangement of the table, taking note of the higher divan of the host with one couch on the right and eleven arranged around the table on up to opposite this second seat of honor on the host’s right.

 

^{(1937.2)179:1.4} They expected the Master to arrive any moment, but they were in a quandary as to whether they should seat themselves or await his coming and depend on him to assign them their places. While they hesitated, Judas stepped over to the seat of honor, at the left of the host, and signified that he intended there to recline as the preferred guest. This act of Judas immediately stirred up a heated dispute among the other apostles. Judas had no sooner seized the seat of honor than John Zebedee laid claim to the next preferred seat, the one on the right of the host. Simon Peter was so enraged at this assumption of choice positions by Judas and John that, as the other angry apostles looked on, he marched clear around the table and took his place on the lowest couch, the end of the seating order and just opposite to that chosen by John Zebedee. Since others had seized the high seats, Peter thought to choose the lowest, and he did this, not merely in protest against the unseemly pride of his brethren, but with the hope that Jesus, when he should come and see him in the place of least honor, would call him up to a higher one, thus displacing one who had presumed to honor himself.

 

^{(1937.3)179:1.5} With the highest and the lowest positions thus occupied, the rest of the apostles chose places, some near Judas and some near Peter, until all were located. They were seated about the U-shaped table on these reclining divans in the following order: on the right of the Master, John; on the left, Judas, Simon Zelotes, Matthew, James Zebedee, Andrew, the Alpheus twins, Philip, Nathaniel, Thomas, and Simon Peter.

 

^{(1937.4)179:1.6} They are gathered together to celebrate, at least in spirit, an institution which antedated even Moses and referred to the times when their fathers were slaves in Egypt. This supper is their last rendezvous with Jesus, and even in such a solemn setting, under the leadership of Judas the apostles are led once more to give way to their old predilection for honor, preference, and personal exaltation.

 

^{(1937.5)179:1.7} They were still engaged in voicing angry recriminations when the Master appeared in the doorway, where he hesitated a moment as a look of disappointment slowly crept over his face. Without comment he went to his place, and he did not disturb their seating arrangement.

 

^{(1937.6)179:1.8} They were now ready to begin the supper, except that their feet were still unwashed, and they were in anything but a pleasant frame of mind. When the Master arrived, they were still engaged in making uncomplimentary remarks about one another, to say nothing of the thoughts of some who had sufficient emotional control to refrain from publicly expressing their feelings.

 

 
 
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[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]

[Rick Warren]

.

 

Good Day Alina, Carolyn, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Guests,

 

There are so many artists' conceptions of the Last Supper. Da Vinci's may be the most well known:

 

Depictions of the Last Supper in Christian art have been undertaken by artistic masters for centuries, Leonardo da Vinci's late 1490s mural painting in Milan, Italy, being the best-known example.

 

IMAGE SOURCE

 

 

 

Now we know the table was long and U-shaped with wine and bread on one end, and one elevated seat for the host at the other end. But it's hard to imagine these reclining couches (divans) around the table. Did they eat and drink laying back??

 

This artist got the U-shape right:

 

The Last Supper, by Bouveret, 19th century.

 

IMAGE SOURCE

 

***

 

From today's reading:
 

...each began to think within himself, Who shall wash our feet? And each likewise thought that it would not be he who would thus seem to act as the servant of the others....^{(1936.7)179:1.2}

 

They weren't about to wash each others' feet, too much pride. But could they not wash their own feet?! Apparently that was not the way in those days.

 

And, obviously, they hadn't learned the new way Jesus had been trying to teach, thanks to Judas' rash move.

 

...Judas stepped over to the seat of honor, at the left of the host, and signified that he intended there to recline as the preferred guest.... ^{(1937.2) 179:1.4}

 

The man who was about to betray the Master grabbed the seat next to him! Poor Judas, the man was without the least bit of integrity, honor, humility, or maturity.

 

***

 

This would have made an interesting and truer painting of the pre-supper scene. From today's reading:
 

...They were still engaged in voicing angry recriminations when the Master appeared in the doorway, where he hesitated a moment as a look of disappointment slowly crept over his face.... ^{(1937.5)179:1.7}

 

 

Evidently, Midwayers know the thoughts of humans. From today's OPAD:
 

 ...they were still engaged in making uncomplimentary remarks about one another, to say nothing of the thoughts of some who had sufficient emotional control to refrain from publicly expressing their feelings.... ^{(1937.6)179:1.8}

 

 

***

 

 

Tomorrow’s reading, Section 2. Beginning the Supper, is a short one, just three paragraphs.  The first cup is served and Jesus makes a toast, referring to his next supper with them on high, in the "kingdom to come".

 

 

Overview of Paper 179. The Last Supper

1. The Desire for Preference
2. Beginning the Supper
3. Washing the Apostles’ Feet
4. Last Words to the Betrayer
5. Establishing the Remembrance Supper

 

This group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.

 

Listen to Paper 179: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)

 

Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.

 

Much love, Rick/OPAD host.

[Rick Warren]

Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session

 

Today’s Presentation

 

Paper 179 - THE LAST SUPPER

 

2. Beginning the Supper

 

   For a few moments after the Master had gone to his place, not a word was spoken. Jesus looked them all over and, relieving the tension with a smile, said: “I have greatly desired to eat this Passover with you. I wanted to eat with you once more before I suffered, and realizing that my hour has come, I arranged to have this supper with you tonight, for, as concerns the morrow, we are all in the hands of the Father, whose will I have come to execute. I shall not again eat with you until you sit down with me in the kingdom which my Father will give me when I have finished that for which he sent me into this world.”

 

^{(1938.1)179:2.2} After the wine and the water had been mixed, they brought the cup to Jesus, who, when he had received it from the hand of Thaddeus, held it while he offered thanks. And when he had finished offering thanks, he said: “Take this cup and divide it among yourselves and, when you partake of it, realize that I shall not again drink with you the fruit of the vine since this is our last supper. When we sit down again in this manner, it will be in the kingdom to come.”

 

^{(1938.2)179:2.3} Jesus began thus to talk to his apostles because he knew that his hour had come. He understood that the time had come when he was to return to the Father, and that his work on earth was almost finished. The Master knew he had revealed the Father’s love on earth and had shown forth his mercy to mankind, and that he had completed that for which he came into the world, even to the receiving of all power and authority in heaven and on earth. Likewise, he knew Judas Iscariot had fully made up his mind to deliver him that night into the hands of his enemies. He fully realized that this traitorous betrayal was the work of Judas, but that it also pleased Lucifer, Satan, and Caligastia the prince of darkness. But he feared none of those who sought his spiritual overthrow any more than he feared those who sought to accomplish his physical death. The Master had but one anxiety, and that was for the safety and salvation of his chosen followers. And so, with the full knowledge that the Father had put all things under his authority, the Master now prepared to enact the parable of brotherly love.

 

 
 
***
 

 
 

[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]

[Rick Warren]

.

 

Greetings Alina, Carolyn, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors,

 

Bet this was an eerie and guilty quiet:
 

...For a few moments after the Master had gone to his place, not a word was spoken.... ^{(1937.7)179:2.1}

 

But Jesus shrugged off their childishness and restored brotherly love in the group saying:

 

"...I wanted to eat with you once more...." ^{(1937.7)179:2.1}

 

***
 

 From today's reading:
 

"...I shall not again eat with you until you sit down with me in the kingdom which my Father will give me when I have finished that for which he sent me into this world....” ^{(1937.7)179:2.1}

Where will this meal take place? Salvington maybe? Jesus refers to it once more:
 

"...When we sit down again in this manner, it will be in the kingdom to come...."  ^{(1938.1)179:2.2}

 

 

***

 

 

The Midwayers mention Jesus' other betrayers, celestial beings who rebelled against the sovereignty and rule of God:
 

...He fully realized that this traitorous betrayal was the work of Judas, but that it also pleased Lucifer, Satan, and Caligastia the prince of darkness.... ^{(1938.2)179:2.3}

 

There is much more about them and the wicked seeds they had been sowing on Urantia and 37 other worlds since Lucifer had published his manifesto hundreds of thousands of years previously. From Paper 53:

 

...Lucifer charged that the Universal Father did not really exist, that physical gravity and space-energy were inherent in the universe, and that the Father was a myth invented by the Paradise Sons to enable them to maintain the rule of the universes in the Father’s name.... ^{(603.3)53:3.2}

 

They had also worked against Adam and Eve 33,o00 years earlier.

 

 

***

 

The Bible's book of Luke reflects some of today's reading about the serving of the first cup.

 

From Luke 22:

 

¹⁵ And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

¹⁶ For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

¹⁷ And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

¹⁸ For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

 

 

The Last Supper by Fritz von Uhde, (1886)

 

IMAGE SOURCE

 

 

***

 

In tomorrow’s reading, Section 3. Washing the Apostles’ Feet, we are given the intimate details of the famous story of Jesus humbling himself to the status of a lowly servant, with Peter's protest and then his complete submission.

 

Overview of Paper 179. The Last Supper

1. The Desire for Preference
2. Beginning the Supper
3. Washing the Apostles’ Feet
4. Last Words to the Betrayer
5. Establishing the Remembrance Supper

 

This group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.

 

Listen to Paper 179: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)

 

Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.

 

Much love, Rick/OPAD host.

[Rick Warren]

Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session

 

Today’s Presentation

 

Paper 179 - THE LAST SUPPER

 

3. Washing the Apostles’ Feet

 

 

   After drinking the first cup of the Passover, it was the Jewish custom for the host to arise from the table and wash his hands. Later on in the meal and after the second cup, all of the guests likewise rose up and washed their hands. Since the apostles knew that their Master never observed these rites of ceremonial hand washing, they were very curious to know what he intended to do when, after they had partaken of this first cup, he arose from the table and silently made his way over to near the door, where the water pitchers, basins, and towels had been placed. And their curiosity grew into astonishment as they saw the Master remove his outer garment, gird himself with a towel, and begin to pour water into one of the foot basins. Imagine the amazement of these twelve men, who had so recently refused to wash one another’s feet, and who had engaged in such unseemly disputes about positions of honor at the table, when they saw him make his way around the unoccupied end of the table to the lowest seat of the feast, where Simon Peter reclined, and, kneeling down in the attitude of a servant, make ready to wash Simon’s feet. As the Master knelt, all twelve arose as one man to their feet; even the traitorous Judas so far forgot his infamy for a moment as to arise with his fellow apostles in this expression of surprise, respect, and utter amazement.

 

^{(1938.4)179:3.2} There stood Simon Peter, looking down into the upturned face of his Master. Jesus said nothing; it was not necessary that he should speak. His attitude plainly revealed that he was minded to wash Simon Peter’s feet. Notwithstanding his frailties of the flesh, Peter loved the Master. This Galilean fisherman was the first human being wholeheartedly to believe in the divinity of Jesus and to make full and public confession of that belief. And Peter had never since really doubted the divine nature of the Master. Since Peter so revered and honored Jesus in his heart, it was not strange that his soul resented the thought of Jesus’ kneeling there before him in the attitude of a menial servant and proposing to wash his feet as would a slave. When Peter presently collected his wits sufficiently to address the Master, he spoke the heart feelings of all his fellow apostles.

 

^{(1939.1)179:3.3} After a few moments of this great embarrassment, Peter said, “Master, do you really mean to wash my feet?” And then, looking up into Peter’s face, Jesus said: “You may not fully understand what I am about to do, but hereafter you will know the meaning of all these things.” Then Simon Peter, drawing a long breath, said, “Master, you shall never wash my feet!” And each of the apostles nodded their approval of Peter’s firm declaration of refusal to allow Jesus thus to humble himself before them.

 

^{(1939.2)179:3.4} The dramatic appeal of this unusual scene at first touched the heart of even Judas Iscariot; but when his vainglorious intellect passed judgment upon the spectacle, he concluded that this gesture of humility was just one more episode which conclusively proved that Jesus would never qualify as Israel’s deliverer, and that he had made no mistake in the decision to desert the Master’s cause.

 

^{(1939.3)179:3.5} As they all stood there in breathless amazement, Jesus said: “Peter, I declare that, if I do not wash your feet, you will have no part with me in that which I am about to perform.” When Peter heard this declaration, coupled with the fact that Jesus continued kneeling there at his feet, he made one of those decisions of blind acquiescence in compliance with the wish of one whom he respected and loved. As it began to dawn on Simon Peter that there was attached to this proposed enactment of service some signification that determined one’s future connection with the Master’s work, he not only became reconciled to the thought of allowing Jesus to wash his feet but, in his characteristic and impetuous manner, said: “Then, Master, wash not my feet only but also my hands and my head.”

 

^{(1939.4)179:3.6} As the Master made ready to begin washing Peter’s feet, he said: “He who is already clean needs only to have his feet washed. You who sit with me tonight are clean — but not all. But the dust of your feet should have been washed away before you sat down at meat with me. And besides, I would perform this service for you as a parable to illustrate the meaning of a new commandment which I will presently give you.”

 

^{(1939.5)179:3.7} In like manner the Master went around the table, in silence, washing the feet of his twelve apostles, not even passing by Judas. When Jesus had finished washing the feet of the twelve, he donned his cloak, returned to his place as host, and after looking over his bewildered apostles, said:

 

^{(1939.6)179:3.8}“Do you really understand what I have done to you? You call me Master, and you say well, for so I am. If, then, the Master has washed your feet, why was it that you were unwilling to wash one another’s feet? What lesson should you learn from this parable in which the Master so willingly does that service which his brethren were unwilling to do for one another? Verily, verily, I say to you: A servant is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than he who sends him. You have seen the way of service in my life among you, and blessed are you who will have the gracious courage so to serve. But why are you so slow to learn that the secret of greatness in the spiritual kingdom is not like the methods of power in the material world?

 

^{(1940.1)179:3.9}“When I came into this chamber tonight, you were not content proudly to refuse to wash one another’s feet, but you must also fall to disputing among yourselves as to who should have the places of honor at my table. Such honors the Pharisees and the children of this world seek, but it should not be so among the ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom. Do you not know that there can be no place of preferment at my table? Do you not understand that I love each of you as I do the others? Do you not know that the place nearest me, as men regard such honors, can mean nothing concerning your standing in the kingdom of heaven? You know that the kings of the gentiles have lordship over their subjects, while those who exercise this authority are sometimes called benefactors. But it shall not be so in the kingdom of heaven. He who would be great among you, let him become as the younger; while he who would be chief, let him become as one who serves. Who is the greater, he who sits at meat, or he who serves? Is it not commonly regarded that he who sits at meat is the greater? But you will observe that I am among you as one who serves. If you are willing to become fellow servants with me in doing the Father’s will, in the kingdom to come you shall sit with me in power, still doing the Father’s will in future glory.”

 

^{(1940.2)179:3.10} When Jesus had finished speaking, the Alpheus twins brought on the bread and wine, with the bitter herbs and the paste of dried fruits, for the next course of the Last Supper.

 

 
 
***
 

 
 

[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]

[Rick Warren]

.

 

Good Day Alina, Carolyn, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Guests,

 

This unique and extraordinary scene of an incarnated God stooping to clean the feet of his followers, even his betrayer, has to be one of the most touching of all the dramatic scenes created by our God-man Jesus. It even touches on humor when Simon Peter finally gives in and asks that his head and hands also be washed.

 

What a character Peter is, I don't recall ever meeting anyone quite like him. His confession, mentioned in today's reading:

 

...This Galilean fisherman was the first human being wholeheartedly to believe in the divinity of Jesus and to make full and public confession of that belief.... ^{(1938.4)179:3.2}

 

...can be read in full in Paper 157:3:

 

"...But who say you that I am?” There was a moment of tense silence. The twelve never took their eyes off the Master, and then Simon Peter, springing to his feet, exclaimed: “You are the Deliverer, the Son of the living God.” And the eleven sitting apostles arose to their feet with one accord, thereby indicating that Peter had spoken for all of them.... ^{(1746.2)157:3.5}

 

Judas, in typical fashion, casts a cynical eye on the scene:
 

...he concluded that this gesture of humility was just one more episode which conclusively proved that Jesus would never qualify as Israel’s deliverer, and that he had made no mistake in the decision to desert the Master’s cause.... ^{(1939.2)179:3.4}

 

But not so cynical or honest that he leaves, or even protests, when his turn comes.

 

***

 

Today's reading has one of the few clues about how these men were clothed. In paintings we see the Master arrayed in many ways, all of which are most likely erroneous. At the crucifixion a turban is mentioned, and at the Last Supper a cloak:
 

...When Jesus had finished washing the feet of the twelve, he donned his cloak, returned to his place as host... ^{(1939.5)179:3.7}

 

***

 

This simple act of foot washing brings so many lessons on humility, selflessness and foresight to so many of God's creatures scattered across Nebadon. His apostles surely couldn't know at that moment just how big and widespread the implications are and will be. Their Master knows:
 

“...What lesson should you learn from this parable in which the Master so willingly does that service which his brethren were unwilling to do for one another?" ^{(1939.6)179:3.8}

 

JESUS WASHING THE FEET OF THE APOSTLES by Del Parson

 

IMAGE SOURCE

 

 

 

Some of the Master's teaching (and today's reading) was recalled and recorded by two of the Gospel writers. This is from John 13:

 

⁴ He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

⁵ After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

⁶ Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

⁷ Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

⁸ Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

⁹ Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

¹⁰ Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

¹¹ For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

¹² So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

¹³ Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

¹⁴ If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

¹⁵ For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

¹⁶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

¹⁷ If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

 

From Luke 22:

 

²⁶ ...he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

²⁷ 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.

 

It should be noted there was precedence for foot washing. From Wikipedia:

 

The root of this practice appears to be found in the hospitality customs of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were the chief footwear. A host would provide water for guests to wash their feet, provide a servant to wash the feet of the guests or even serve the guests by washing their feet. This is mentioned in several places in the Old Testament of the Bible (e.g. Genesis 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; I Samuel 25:41; et al.), as well as other religious and historical documents. A typical Eastern host might bow, greet, and kiss his guest, then offer water to allow the guest to wash his feet or have servants do it. Though the wearing of sandals might necessitate washing the feet, the water was also offered as a courtesy even when shoes were worn. I Samuel 25:41 is the first passage where an honored person offers to wash feet as a sign of humility. In John 12, Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet presumably in gratitude for raising her brother Lazarus from the dead, and in preparation for his death and burial.

 

The Bible records washing of the saint's feet being practised by the primitive church in I Timothy 5:10 perhaps in reference to piety, submission and/or humility.

 

There are several names and the spellings of this practice, being variously known as maundy, foot washing, washing the saints' feet, pedilavium, and mandatum.

 

...Maundy or Washing of the Feet, is a religious rite observed as an ordinance by several Christian denominations...

 

As such, many denominations observe the washing of the feet on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week Moreover, for some denominations, foot-washing was an example, a pattern. Many groups throughout Church history and many modern denominations have practiced foot washing as a church ordinance.

 

 

***

 

PS. This artist envisioned the couches mentioned in yesterday's reading:

 

Last Supper by James Tissot. Tissot shows the Apostles as they most probably

were eating the meal, on couches, as it was the custom of the time.

 

IMAGE SOURCE


 

***

 

 

In tomorrow’s reading, Section 4. Last Words to the Betrayer, Jesus realizes Judas is beyond the point of return and subtly identifies the traitor. He then sends Judas away to do the infamous deed.

 

Overview of Paper 179. The Last Supper

1. The Desire for Preference
2. Beginning the Supper
3. Washing the Apostles’ Feet
4. Last Words to the Betrayer
5. Establishing the Remembrance Supper

 

This group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.

 

Listen to Paper 179: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)

 

Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.

 

Much love, Rick/OPAD host.

[Rick Warren]

 

Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session

 

Today’s Presentation

 

Paper 179 – THE LAST SUPPER

 

4. Last Words to the Betrayer

 

 

For some minutes the apostles ate in silence, but under the influence of the Master’s cheerful demeanor they were soon drawn into conversation, and ere long the meal was proceeding as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred to interfere with the good cheer and social accord of this extraordinary occasion. After some time had elapsed, in about the middle of this second course of the meal, Jesus, looking them over, said: “I have told you how much I desired to have this supper with you, and knowing how the evil forces of darkness have conspired to bring about the death of the Son of Man, I determined to eat this supper with you in this secret chamber and a day in advance of the Passover since I will not be with you by this time tomorrow night. I have repeatedly told you that I must return to the Father. Now has my hour come, but it was not required that one of you should betray me into the hands of my enemies.”

 

^{(1940.4)179:4.2} When the twelve heard this, having already been robbed of much of their self-assertiveness and self-confidence by the parable of the feet washing and the Master’s subsequent discourse, they began to look at one another while in disconcerted tones they hesitatingly inquired, “Is it I?” And when they had all so inquired, Jesus said: “While it is necessary that I go to the Father, it was not required that one of you should become a traitor to fulfill the Father’s will. This is the coming to fruit of the concealed evil in the heart of one who failed to love the truth with his whole soul. How deceitful is the intellectual pride that precedes the spiritual downfall! My friend of many years, who even now eats my bread, will be willing to betray me, even as he now dips his hand with me in the dish.”

 

^{(1940.5)179:4.3} And when Jesus had thus spoken, they all began again to ask, “Is it I?” And as Judas, sitting on the left of his Master, again asked, “Is it I?” Jesus, dipping the bread in the dish of herbs, handed it to Judas, saying, “You have said.” But the others did not hear Jesus speak to Judas. John, who reclined on Jesus’ right hand, leaned over and asked the Master: “Who is it? We should know who it is that has proved untrue to his trust.” Jesus answered: “Already have I told you, even he to whom I gave the sop.” But it was so natural for the host to give a sop to the one who sat next to him on the left that none of them took notice of this, even though the Master had so plainly spoken. But Judas was painfully conscious of the meaning of the Master’s words associated with his act, and he became fearful lest his brethren were likewise now aware that he was the betrayer.

 

^{(1941.1)179:4.4} Peter was highly excited by what had been said, and leaning forward over the table, he addressed John, “Ask him who it is, or if he has told you, tell me who is the betrayer.”

^{(1941.2)179:4.5} Jesus brought their whisperings to an end by saying: “I sorrow that this evil should have come to pass and hoped even up to this hour that the power of truth might triumph over the deceptions of evil, but such victories are not won without the faith of the sincere love of truth. I would not have told you these things at this, our last supper, but I desire to warn you of these sorrows and so prepare you for what is now upon us. I have told you of this because I desire that you should recall, after I have gone, that I knew about all these evil plottings, and that I forewarned you of my betrayal. And I do all this only that you may be strengthened for the temptations and trials which are just ahead.”

 

^{(1941.3)179:4.6} When Jesus had thus spoken, leaning over toward Judas, he said: “What you have decided to do, do quickly.” And when Judas heard these words, he arose from the table and hastily left the room, going out into the night to do what he had set his mind to accomplish. When the other apostles saw Judas hasten off after Jesus had spoken to him, they thought he had gone to procure something additional for the supper or to do some other errand for the Master since they supposed he still carried the bag.

 

^{(1941.4)179:4.7} Jesus now knew that nothing could be done to keep Judas from turning traitor. He started with twelve — now he had eleven. He chose six of these apostles, and though Judas was among those nominated by his first-chosen apostles, still the Master accepted him and had, up to this very hour, done everything possible to sanctify and save him, even as he had wrought for the peace and salvation of the others.

 

^{(1941.5)179:4.8} This supper, with its tender episodes and softening touches, was Jesus’ last appeal to the deserting Judas, but it was of no avail. Warning, even when administered in the most tactful manner and conveyed in the most kindly spirit, as a rule, only intensifies hatred and fires the evil determination to carry out to the full one’s own selfish projects, when love is once really dead.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]

[Rick Warren]

.

 

Greetings Alina, Carolyn, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Visitors,

 

Hmmm...for some reason they didn't hear or understand when Jesus plainly said:
 

"...My friend of many years, who even now eats my bread, will be willing to betray me, even as he now dips his hand with me in the dish....” ^{(1940.4)179:4.2}

 

I can't help but think Jesus wanted it not to be understood who the traitor was at this moment. Outright identifying Judas would have been too disruptive and would distract from what he wanted to say and teach during these last minutes with his loyal apostles.

 

Jesus fully knows Judas and his shortcomings:
 

"...such victories are not won without the faith of the sincere love of truth...." ^{(1941.2)179:4.5}

 

He even has the temerity to ask: "Is it I?"
 

 

The apostles simply are not quick in understanding or keen observers. More than once Jesus indicated who the betrayer is. Maybe they are simply tired and dull on this unusual evening. Jesus seems to be the only one in the room who knows what all is transpiring. And what he is about to say to his loyal ones, Judas will never hear:

 

...leaning over toward Judas, he said: “What you have decided to do, do quickly....” ^{(1941.3)179:4.6}

 

Still, his apostles are clueless:

 

 ...they thought he had gone to procure something additional for the supper or to do some other errand for the Master since they supposed he still carried the bag.... ^{(1941.3)179:4.6}

 

The last words of today's reading explain what happened to poor, self deceived Judas:

 

 ...when love is once really dead.... ^{(1941.5)179:4.8}

 

***

 

Judas Iscariot (right), retiring from the Last Supper, painting by Carl Bloch, late 19th century

 

IMAGE SOURCE

 

 

***

 

All four of the Gospel writers record something of this part of the Last Supper.

 

From Mark 14:

 

¹⁸ And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

¹⁹ And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

²⁰ And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

²¹ The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

 

From Matthew 26:

 

²¹ And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

²² And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

²³ And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

²⁴ The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

²⁵ Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

From Luke 22:

 

²¹ But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

²² And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

²³ And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

 

From John 13:

 

²¹ When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

²² Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

²³ Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

²⁴ Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

²⁵ He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

²⁶ Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

²⁷ And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

²⁸ Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.

²⁹ For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

³⁰ He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

 

 

 

***

 

 

In tomorrow’s reading, Section 5. Establishing the Remembrance Supper, Jesus toasts the third cup of this bloodless Passover, and they all sing one of the Psalms.

 

Overview of Paper 179. The Last Supper

1. The Desire for Preference
2. Beginning the Supper
3. Washing the Apostles’ Feet
4. Last Words to the Betrayer
5. Establishing the Remembrance Supper

 

This group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.

 

Listen to Paper 179: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)

 

Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.

 

Much love, Rick/OPAD host.

[Rick Warren]

Welcome to The OPAD Online Study Session

 

Today’s Presentation

 

Paper 179 – THE LAST SUPPER

 

5. Establishing the Remembrance Supper

 

    As they brought Jesus the third cup of wine, the “cup of blessing,” he arose from the couch and, taking the cup in his hands, blessed it, saying: “Take this cup, all of you, and drink of it. This shall be the cup of my remembrance. This is the cup of the blessing of a new dispensation of grace and truth. This shall be to you the emblem of the bestowal and ministry of the divine Spirit of Truth. And I will not again drink this cup with you until I drink in new form with you in the Father’s eternal kingdom.”

 

^{(1942.1)179:5.2} The apostles all sensed that something out of the ordinary was transpiring as they drank of this cup of blessing in profound reverence and perfect silence. The old Passover commemorated the emergence of their fathers from a state of racial slavery into individual freedom; now the Master was instituting a new remembrance supper as a symbol of the new dispensation wherein the enslaved individual emerges from the bondage of ceremonialism and selfishness into the spiritual joy of the brotherhood and fellowship of the liberated faith sons of the living God.

 

^{(1942.2)179:5.3} When they had finished drinking this new cup of remembrance, the Master took up the bread and, after giving thanks, broke it in pieces and, directing them to pass it around, said: “Take this bread of remembrance and eat it. I have told you that I am the bread of life. And this bread of life is the united life of the Father and the Son in one gift. The word of the Father, as revealed in the Son, is indeed the bread of life.” When they had partaken of the bread of remembrance, the symbol of the living word of truth incarnated in the likeness of mortal flesh, they all sat down.

 

^{(1942.3)179:5.4} In instituting this remembrance supper, the Master, as was always his habit, resorted to parables and symbols. He employed symbols because he wanted to teach certain great spiritual truths in such a manner as to make it difficult for his successors to attach precise interpretations and definite meanings to his words. In this way he sought to prevent successive generations from crystallizing his teaching and binding down his spiritual meanings by the dead chains of tradition and dogma. In the establishment of the only ceremony or sacrament associated with his whole life mission, Jesus took great pains to suggest his meanings rather than to commit himself to precise definitions. He did not wish to destroy the individual’s concept of divine communion by establishing a precise form; neither did he desire to limit the believer’s spiritual imagination by formally cramping it. He rather sought to set man’s reborn soul free upon the joyous wings of a new and living spiritual liberty.

 

^{(1942.4)179:5.5} Notwithstanding the Master’s effort thus to establish this new sacrament of the remembrance, those who followed after him in the intervening centuries saw to it that his express desire was effectively thwarted in that his simple spiritual symbolism of that last night in the flesh has been reduced to precise interpretations and subjected to the almost mathematical precision of a set formula. Of all Jesus’ teachings none have become more tradition-standardized.

 

^{(1942.5)179:5.6} This supper of remembrance, when it is partaken of by those who are Son-believing and God-knowing, does not need to have associated with its symbolism any of man’s puerile misinterpretations regarding the meaning of the divine presence, for upon all such occasions the Master is really present. The remembrance supper is the believer’s symbolic rendezvous with Michael. When you become thus spirit-conscious, the Son is actually present, and his spirit fraternizes with the indwelling fragment of his Father.

 

^{(1942.6)179:5.7} After they had engaged in meditation for a few moments, Jesus continued speaking: “When you do these things, recall the life I have lived on earth among you and rejoice that I am to continue to live on earth with you and to serve through you. As individuals, contend not among yourselves as to who shall be greatest. Be you all as brethren. And when the kingdom grows to embrace large groups of believers, likewise should you refrain from contending for greatness or seeking preferment between such groups.”

 

^{(1943.1)179:5.8} And this mighty occasion took place in the upper chamber of a friend. There was nothing of sacred form or of ceremonial consecration about either the supper or the building. The remembrance supper was established without ecclesiastical sanction.

 

^{(1943.2)179:5.9} When Jesus had thus established the supper of the remembrance, he said to the eleven: “And as often as you do this, do it in remembrance of me. And when you do remember me, first look back upon my life in the flesh, recall that I was once with you, and then, by faith, discern that you shall all sometime sup with me in the Father’s eternal kingdom. This is the new Passover which I leave with you, even the memory of my bestowal life, the word of eternal truth; and of my love for you, the outpouring of my Spirit of Truth upon all flesh.”*

 

^{(1943.3)179:5.10} And they ended this celebration of the old but bloodless Passover in connection with the inauguration of the new supper of the remembrance, by singing, all together, the one hundred and eighteenth Psalm.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

[Each OPAD presentation is copied from The Urantia Book published by Urantia Foundation. Questions and comments related to the Paper under discussion are welcome and encouraged. In-depth questions and related topics may be studied in branch threads in the OPAD, or other subforums, as you require. Thank you for studying with us.]

[Rick Warren]

.

 

Good Day Alina, Carolyn, Carola, Fellow Students, Forum Friends, Members and Guests,

 

 

IMAGE SOURCE

 

 

 

Such beautiful words about Deity intention:
 

"...This shall be to you the emblem of the bestowal and ministry of the divine Spirit of Truth...."^{(1941.6)179:5.1}

 

His apostles can't know what he is referring to, but they will on the day of Pentecost! Paper 194 has the story of the actual bestowal of the Spirit of Truth.

 

More beauty:

 

 ...He rather sought to set man’s reborn soul free upon the joyous wings of a new and living spiritual liberty.... ^{(1942.3)179:5.4}

 

Of course this freedom is still unfolding, and now it has the added power of a new revelation, which we now study, gaining even more joy and liberty, all with the aid and comfort of the SoT. Jesus, in today's reading:
 

"...This is the new Passover which I leave with you, even the memory of my bestowal life, the word of eternal truth; and of my love for you, the outpouring of my Spirit of Truth upon all flesh...." ^{(1943.2)179:5.9}

 

 

***

 

 

"...Take this bread of remembrance and eat it. I have told you that I am the bread of life. And this bread of life is the united life of the Father and the Son in one gift....” ^{(1942.2)179:5.3}

 

IMAGE SOURCE

 

 

 

 

***

 

Biblical corollaries in today's reading:

 

From Mark 14:

 

²² And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

²³ And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.

²⁴ And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

²⁵ Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

²⁶ And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

 

 

From Matthew 26:

 

²⁶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

²⁷ And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

²⁸ For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

²⁹ But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

³⁰ And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

 

From Luke 22 :

 

¹⁹ And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

²⁰ Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

 

Paul recalled the Last Supper in his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 22:
 

²⁰ When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.

²¹ For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

²² What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

²³ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

²⁴ And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

²⁵ After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

²⁶ For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

²⁷ Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

²⁸ But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

²⁹ For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

 

***

 

Song became a part of the Last Supper. It concluded with them:
 

 ...singing, all together, the one hundred and eighteenth Psalm.... ^{(1943.3)179:5.10}

 

1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

² Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

³ Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

⁴ Let them now that fear the Lord say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

⁵ I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

⁶ The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

⁷ The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

⁸ It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

⁹ It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

¹⁰ All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.

¹¹ They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

¹² They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

¹³ Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.

¹⁴ The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

¹⁵ The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

¹⁶ The right hand of the Lord is exalted: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.

¹⁷ I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

¹⁸ The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.

¹⁹ Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:

²⁰ This gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter.

²¹ I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

²² The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

²³ This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

²⁴ This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

²⁵ Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

²⁶ Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

²⁷ God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

²⁸ Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

²⁹ O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

 

 

 

***

 

Thus ends Paper 179, but this meeting in the upper chamber is not yet over. In tomorrow’s reading, the introduction to Paper 180, Jesus asks them to sit while he gives a final farewell discourse and presents a new commandment.

 

 

Overview of Paper 179. The Last Supper

1. The Desire for Preference
2. Beginning the Supper
3. Washing the Apostles’ Feet
4. Last Words to the Betrayer
5. Establishing the Remembrance Supper

 

This group of papers [121-196] was sponsored by a commission of twelve Urantia midwayers acting under the supervision of a Melchizedek revelatory director. The basis of this narrative was supplied by a secondary midwayer who was onetime assigned to the superhuman watchcare of the Apostle Andrew.

 

Listen to Paper 179: (click the speaker icon at the top of the page)

 

Thanks for reading. Members’ thoughts, reflections, insights, observations, comments, corrections and questions about today’s OPAD presentation are invited.

 

Much love, Rick/OPAD host.