Christian Art | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | The Last Supper
The Gospel Of John 14: 18-21 | Audio King James Bible | KJV
‘I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.’
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
Jesus knew that his time on earth was coming to an end, and Jesus chose to spend his last meal with his disciples. Jesus demonstrated his love by washing their feet, a humble act of service that showed Jesus’ deep care for each of his disciples. Jesus also revealed his love by sharing bread and wine with his disciples, sacramentally Jesus’ body and blood that Jesus would soon give for his disciples as for us all, even for people who are not Christians.
‘As supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 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.’ (John 13:2-5)
By performing this lowly act, Jesus revealed his true nature as a servant leader and showed that his love extended to even the most humble and downtrodden. As Jesus further revealed his love by sharing bread and wine, he said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.’ (Luke 22:19)
The love revealed by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper is a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and humble. It is a love that is willing to serve and give all, even unto death. As we reflect on this love, let us be inspired to love others with the same selflessness and sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated for us.
May our hearts be filled with the love of Jesus Christ, and may we be transformed by Jesus’ love so that we may love others as Jesus has loved us.
Oh my Jesus, as I meditate on Your love, I am in awe of Your selflessness and grace. Thank You for loving me even when I am unlovable. Help me to love others with the same sacrificial love that You showed on the cross. May Your love be the foundation of all that I do and all that I am. Amen.
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Betrayal Of Jesus By Judas
As I meditate on the love of Jesus Christ, I am struck by the way Jesus loved even those who would betray him.
At the Last Supper, Jesus knew that one of his own disciples, Judas Iscariot, would soon betray him to the authorities. Despite this knowledge, Jesus still offered Judas the bread and wine of the Last Supper. Jesus did not expose Judas or rebuke him in front of the other disciples. Instead, Jesus showed his love and forgiveness even in the face of betrayal.
‘Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? And he answered and said, he that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 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.’ (Matthew 26:20-24)
Jesus knew that Judas would betray him, but Jesus did not treat Judas differently from the other disciples. Jesus continued to love and serve Judas, washing his feet and sharing the Last Supper with him. Even when Judas left the table to betray him, Jesus still loved Judas and prayed for him.
‘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. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? 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. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.’ (John 13:21-27)
In this way, Jesus demonstrated his love for Judas, even in the face of betrayal. Jesus did not let Judas’ actions change the way he felt about Judas. Jesus continued to love Judas, to serve him, and to offer forgiveness.
As we consider the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, let us be reminded of the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers to us. May we learn to love and forgive others as Jesus has loved and forgiven us.
Oh my Jesus, as I meditate on your love, I am struck by the way You loved even those who would betray You. Help me to love those who have hurt me, as you loved Judas. Give me the strength to forgive and extend your love to all those around me, even in the face of betrayal. Amen.
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Institution Of The Lord’s Supper
As I meditate on the love of Jesus Christ, I am reminded of the institution of the Lord’s Supper and the profound love Jesus revealed in doing so. In the midst of his last meal with his disciples, Jesus took bread and wine, gave thanks, and gave them to his disciples, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ (Luke 22:19, KJV)
Jesus’ words were both an act of love and a prophetic gesture, as they foreshadowed the sacrifice that Jesus would soon make on the cross. By offering his own body and blood as a sacrifice for our sins, Jesus demonstrated the depth of his love for us and provided a way for us to be reconciled with God.
The Lord’s Supper is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ love for us and the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. As we partake of the bread and wine, we remember his death and resurrection and the new covenant that Jesus established between us and God. It is a tangible symbol of our connection to Christ and a reminder of the love that Jesus has for us.
As we reflect on the love revealed by Jesus Christ through the institution of the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded that his love knows no bounds. Jesus gave everything for us, and Jesus’ love continues to sustain and to guide us today. May we always remember the depth of Jesus’ love and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and may we live our lives in grateful response to Jesus’ grace.
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul wrote, ‘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: 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. 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. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.’
As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we not only remember Jesus’ love and sacrifice for us, but we also participate in a shared experience with other believers. We are united in our faith and our remembrance of Jesus, and we are reminded of our common identity as his followers.
Oh my Jesus, as I meditate on your love, I am grateful for the way You instituted the Lord’s Supper as a reminder of Your love for me. Help me to remember your sacrifice and love every time I partake in communion. May your love be the sustenance that nourishes my soul, now and forevermore. Amen.
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Prediction Of Peter’s Denial
‘And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.’ Luke 22:31-34
As I meditate on the love of Jesus Christ, I am reminded of Jesus’ deep love for his disciple Peter. During the Last Supper, Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. This must have been a difficult thing for Jesus to say, knowing what lay ahead for Peter and the pain it would cause him. But even in the face of Peter’s impending denial, Jesus continued to love Peter.
Jesus’ love for Peter was evident in Jesus’ words to him. Instead of rebuking him for his weakness, Jesus encouraged Peter and prayed for him. Jesus said, ‘But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.’ Jesus knew that Peter’s faith would be tested, but Jesus also knew that Peter would come out stronger in the end. Jesus believed in Peter, even when Peter did not believe in himself.
Jesus’ love for Peter teaches us that even in our weakest moments, Jesus continues to love us. He doesn’t give up on us or turn his back on us when we fail. Instead, Jesus reaches out to us and offers us his grace and forgiveness. Jesus’ love for Peter is a reminder that no matter how many times we fall, we can always turn back to Jesus and find love and acceptance.
Let us remember the words of Jesus to Peter as we face our own struggles and failures. Let us trust in his unwavering love for us and draw strength from his encouragement. May we be reminded that even in our darkest moments, Jesus is with us, loving us and praying for us.
Oh my Jesus, as I meditate on Your love, I am grateful for the way You loved Peter even in the face of his impending denial. Help me to trust in Your unwavering love for me, even when I feel weak and unworthy. May Your love be my strength and my refuge, always. Amen.
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Promise Of The Holy Spirit
As I meditate on the love of Jesus Christ, I am struck by the way Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to his followers. During the Last Supper, Jesus spoke to his disciples about his imminent departure, but Jesus assured them that he would send the Holy Spirit to be with them and guide them. Jesus said, ‘And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.’ (John 14:16, KJV)
Jesus’ love for his followers was so great that he wanted to ensure they would not be left alone after he was gone, but would have the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide them. Jesus also emphasized the importance of his followers keeping his commandments, stating, ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15, KJV)
Jesus further explained that the Holy Spirit would testify of Jesus and guide Jesus’ followers into all truth. Jesus said, ‘But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.’ (John 15:26, KJV) Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit was a testament to Jesus’ love for his followers and Jesus’ desire to ensure they had all they needed to continue his work on earth.
I am reminded of the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit in my own life. Just as Jesus promised to his disciples, the Holy Spirit is a constant source of comfort, guidance, and truth in my life. I am grateful for Jesus’ love and provision, and I seek to follow his commandments and walk in step with the Holy Spirit each day.
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Unity Of Believers
As I meditate on the love of Jesus Christ, I am struck by the way Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples. The Last Supper was a time of preparation for Jesus and his disciples, where they shared bread and wine, and Jesus washed their feet. But, it was also a time where Jesus prayed for his disciples and for the Church as a whole.
In John 17, Jesus prayed to his Father for his disciples, saying, ‘That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.’ Jesus’ prayer for unity was not only for his disciples but also for all believers who would come after them. Jesus wanted his disciples to be united in their faith and love, so that the world would see and believe in Jesus.
Jesus’ prayer for unity was not just a wishful thinking but a deep desire to see his followers come together and live in harmony. Jesus knew that his disciples would face persecution and hardships, and that it would be easy for them to fall apart. Therefore, Jesus prayed that they would remain united, just as Jesus and his Father are united.
Jesus’ love for his followers was not only for individuals, but for the unity of the Church as a whole. Jesus knew that the Church would be the instrument of his love in the world, and that it could only be effective if it was united. Jesus wanted his followers to be united in their purpose, vision, and mission, so that they could effectively share the Gospel with the world.
I am reminded of the importance of being united as believers. We are called to be one in Christ, to love one another, and to work together for the sake of the Gospel. It is only through our unity that the world will see and believe in Jesus Christ.
Oh my Jesus, as I meditate on Your love, I am grateful for the way You prayed for the unity of Your followers. Help me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ, and work towards unity in the Church. May Your love be the bond that unites us all, regardless of our differences. Amen.
Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ | Love That Endures
As I meditate on the love of Jesus Christ, I am struck by the way Jesus’ love endures through all things. Even as Jesus faced the looming specter of his own death, Jesus still chose to love his disciples and offer them the bread and wine of the Last Supper.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to his Father and asked that, if possible, the cup of suffering might be taken from him. Jesus knew the agony that awaited him, but still Jesus chose to love and serve his followers.
Despite the weight of the world’s sins bearing down on him, Jesus remained steadfast in his love, even when his closest disciples could not stay awake to pray with Him. Jesus endured through the pain and suffering of his arrest, trial, and crucifixion, all because of his great love for humanity.
Jesus’ love endures even today, offering comfort, hope, and salvation to all who come to him. In a world that is constantly changing, the love of Jesus remains a constant, unchanging force that can sustain us through all things.
Oh my Jesus, as I meditate on Your love, I am grateful for the way Your love endures through all things. Help me to trust in Your love, even in the midst of pain and suffering. May Your love be my anchor in the storm, and my hope for the future. Amen.