DaVinci vs. History....

One of the many interesting things we learned today during the message had to do with the misconception many of us had about how the Last Supper looked in comparison to had it probably was. We have this misconception thanks to the amazing work of Leonardo DaVinci. I've long been a fan of this man whose genius had to be divinely inspired. But the fact of the matter is, much of how he conceived the Last Supper had more to do with his own ideas and context than what probably went on.

Here's DaVinci's Work:
It's dramatic and engaging. Jesus is forefront and in charge. And, it's daytime. They are seated at a table. They have leavened bread on the table. We won't even go to the "Dan Brown" related issues! While this painting stirs the imagination and helps us think about this important meal, it probably didn't go down this way.

Most likely, the Upper Room was set up for the Passover Seder around what's known as a triclinium. Here's an ancient fresco of a triclinium: 
The Passover Seder usually happened at sunset. And, around a table lower to the ground with cushions to recline upon. It would be U-shaped so that servants could easily serve the meal to the guests. It was the Feast of Unleavened Bread-- an important part of God's command to remember the story of deliverance from Egypt by not only remembering the story but also recreating the meal of the Passover.
Does it make a difference to us how Jesus and the disciples ate? It certainly gives us a different perspective in how they would have talked and dined. And, with Judas at Jesus' right, the seat of honor, it also gives us insight into how Jesus treated those who betrayed him.
The Last Supper becomes for those of us who follow Jesus a place where Jesus proclaims to us: "I am the one to set you free."
I hope this week you will pray about the things you need deliverance from...whether pride or self-importance, greed, addiction... whatever it is....that you will seek that freedom from the one who becomes the Pascal Lamb for us, Jesus.