It was Passover time in Jerusalem, and Jesus told his apostles to go into the city and prepare an upper room for a meal.
It is known to Christians as the Last Supper.
It was there that Jesus spoke to his followers of events to come, their responsibilities and instructions as to what they should do after his death, burial and resurrection.
Much of what was said was not understood by the men at the feast. These 12 had walked with Jesus, watched him heal the sick, saw people brought back to life from the dead and heard the wonderful words of life spoken with truth and love.
Jesus took a cup of wine (not grape juice) and told them to drink it and to remember the shedding of his blood.
Then he took unleavened bread and said to eat it, for this was in remembrance of his body that was given for his followers.
This was a mystery to the occupants of this room. What was he talking about?
They would later learn the meaning of his words. Then he took a towel, wrapped it around his waist, took a basin of water and proceeded to wash the feet of his apostles. Peter objected to Jesus washing his feet and said so. Jesus told him it was necessary and that this practice should continue, just as the communion of wine and unleavened bread, after his resurrection.
Communion and washing of feet was practiced in the early church, and it was a requirement for widows to receive assistance from the church.
In December 2015, Geist Apostolic Church had a communion service. Wine was given to remember Jesus blood that was shed for us. Unleavened bread was taken to remember his body that was hung on the Cross for all. Members also washed each others feet, just as Jesus commanded his followers to do at the Last Supper.
The Spirit of the God filled the sanctuary, and a wonderful blessing was felt by all. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Joseph and Sylvia Horner are pastors at Geist Apostolic Chu
rch. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
