he might partake of the
passover with his disciples, but he was careful to provide against any
possible interruption. He did not mention to the disciples the place of
meeting. Had he done so, Judas would have disclosed the place to the
enemies who would have arrested Jesus in the midst of the supper. Our Lord
was careful to say to the two disciples that as they entered the city
there would meet them "a man bearing a pitcher of water;" they were to
follow him into the house and were there to prepare the passover.
According to the account of the other evangelists, it seems that after the
passover feast had been eaten and before Jesus established his memorial
supper, he dismissed Judas from the circle. Surely it must be our endeavor
to shut out from our hearts all traitorous and intrusive thoughts, that
during the sacred service we may be consciously alone with our Lord.

2. It is to be a time of communion. Our Lord had eagerly looked forward to
those hours to be spent with his disciples in unbroken fellowship. He had
much to tell them. He knew it was to be a season of tender farewell, and
he wished to strengthen them by messages of cheer and of hope. Probably in
the whole Bible there are no chapters more familiar, more tender, more
helpful, than those written by John containing the words spoken by our
Lord in the upper room on the occasion of this Last Supper. To those whose
hearts are prepared, the unseen Lord is surely present and ready to speak,
through the appointed symbols and by his Spirit, truths which will inspire
strength and joy.

3. It is to be a season of gratitude. The sacrament has often been called
the "Eucharist," the service of "thanksgiving," for we then call to mind
the infinite benefits secured for us by the atoning death of our Lord.
This is the supreme purpose of the feast. Jesus stated this clearly when
establishing it; the bread was to call to mind his body broken for us, and
the wine was to be a symbol of his blood, which as he said to his
disciples, was to be poured out for them. This supper is therefore to be a
memorial of redeeming grace; it is to show forth the Lord's death, as he
himself said, "This do in remembrance of me."

4. It is to be a time of hope. Even under the shadow of the cross our Lord
pointed his disciples to the glory of his throne; while their hearts were
torn by the thought of separation, he reminded them of a reunion when they
would eat and drink together "in the kingdom o