Sharing in Humility

As physical bread must be “broken” or torn apart to be shared, so Jesus’ body was beaten before He was nailed to the Cross to save humankind. As physical bread serves to maintain bodily health, so Jesus’ body provides spiritual health for believers.

Several poignant scenes in the movie help us make the connection between the Passover Meal (or “Seder”) and the Communion elements we use today. While we see Jesus and the disciples enjoying their dinner in the “Upper Room” of a trusted man’s home, his family is enjoying their traditional meal on a portico outdoors.

Jewish families build their faith through teachable moments. We can hear this father expressing gratitude by praising his wife (who prepared the meal) with the words from Proverbs 31:10–31. Next, we hear the grandfather ask the children the four prescribed questions that begin the celebration. Their memorized responses allow for the Exodus story to be shared again. During this Magid (“tell”) portion of the meal, children learn the symbolic meanings for each item they will eat and drink, which recalls the struggles in the wilderness.

Often known by their opening words, Ma Nishtana (“What is different…?), the four questions and their responses are “what makes this night different from all others.” Beginning with the phrase “On all nights,” these questions continue…

1) …we need not dip even once, on this night we do so twice?
2) …we eat chametz or matzah, and on this night only matzah (unleavened bread)?
3) …we eat any kind of vegetables, and on this night maror (bitter herbs)?

4) …we eat sitting upright or reclining, and on this night we all recline?

Another scene shows Jesus’ reaction to the huge platter of roasted lamb set before Him and the disciples’ eagerness to grab a sizable portion. He envisioned the cruel death He was about to face (and He appeared to lose his appetite).

The day following the Sermon on the Mount and feeding of the 5,000, Jesus addressed the remaining crowd, describing Himself as bread. When he shared bread and wine with the 12 men in the Upper Room during the Passover meal, he also set the stage for discipleship. He explained how these elements represented his body and blood. And then He demonstrated humility by washing their feet in an act of servanthood.

While “footwashing” is no longer a common practice in religious settings, believers understand that Jesus expects us to serve and care for each other. Consider now the ways in which you can show and share kindness.

Questions for Reflection:

• What does it mean to you that Jesus says He is the “bread of life”? How does that impact your understanding of Him?
• Who is someone you can serve this week to show the love of Christ? How can you serve them?
• When have you been in a type of “wilderness” where you felt lost? In what ways did God provide for you? How does remembering that time give you perspective?