Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist Book Summary

Title: Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper
Author: Brant Pitre

TLDR:
This book explores the deep connections between the Jewish traditions and the Christian Eucharist. Brant Pitre examines how Jesus’ Last Supper fulfills and transforms Jewish expectations of the Messiah, drawing on Jewish scriptures and traditions to shed light on the significance of the Eucharist in Christian faith.

Chapter 1: The Mystery of the Last Supper

Jesus and Judaism

The book starts by establishing the Jewishness of Jesus, highlighting his upbringing, practices, and teachings rooted in Jewish tradition. Jesus’ Jewish identity is crucial to understanding his actions and words. Throughout his life, Jesus engaged with Jewish rituals, feasts, and the synagogue, framing his ministry within the Jewish context.

The Shock of Jesus’ Teachings

One of the most challenging aspects of Jesus’ teachings for his Jewish followers was his command to eat his flesh and drink his blood. This teaching seemed to contradict Jewish laws, particularly those against consuming blood. The author emphasizes the scandalous nature of these words to a Jewish audience and the resulting departure of many followers.

The Eucharist and Jewish Tradition

Dr. Pitre argues that to understand the Eucharist, one must see it through ancient Jewish eyes. This perspective reveals the deep connections between Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper and Jewish traditions, such as the Passover meal, the manna from heaven, and the Bread of the Presence. By exploring these traditions, the author aims to show that Jesus’ words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood are deeply rooted in Jewish expectations of the Messiah.

Ancient Jewish Context

The chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book by outlining the need to understand Jesus within his Jewish context. It introduces key Jewish texts and traditions that will be referenced throughout the book, including the Old Testament, the Mishnah, the Talmud, and other ancient Jewish writings. These sources provide insight into how first-century Jews might have understood Jesus’ actions and teachings.

Conclusion

The chapter concludes by affirming the importance of Jesus’ Jewish identity in interpreting his teachings on the Eucharist. It sets up the book’s exploration of the Jewish roots of the Eucharist, aiming to illuminate the profound connections between Jesus’ Last Supper and Jewish tradition.

This first chapter serves as a foundation for the book’s detailed examination of the Jewish roots of the Eucharist, emphasizing the necessity of viewing Jesus’ actions and words within their original Jewish context to fully grasp their significance.

Chapter 2: What Were the Jewish People Waiting For?

What Kind of Messiah?

The second chapter delves into the expectations of the Jewish people regarding the Messiah at the time of Jesus. Contrary to popular belief that the Jews were waiting solely for an earthly political savior, the chapter explains that many Jews had a broader and more profound expectation. They were looking forward to a new exodus—a divine intervention that would liberate them not just politically but spiritually and morally as well.

The Jewish Hope for a New Exodus

The book explains that the Jews of Jesus’ time hoped for a new exodus, similar to the one their ancestors experienced under Moses. This expectation was based on the prophecies and promises found in Jewish scriptures, which spoke of a future deliverance that would be even greater than the first exodus. This new exodus would be led by the Messiah, who would save the people from sin and death, not just from political oppression.

Jesus and the New Exodus

Dr. Pitre presents Jesus as the fulfillment of these messianic hopes. He describes how Jesus positioned himself as the new Moses, leading a new exodus. This concept is woven throughout Jesus’ teachings and actions, particularly in his institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, which Dr. Pitre argues was intended to be seen as the new Passover meal inaugurating this new exodus.

Connection to the Last Supper

The chapter draws connections between the Jewish Passover and Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper. By comparing the two, it becomes evident that Jesus was not just celebrating a traditional Passover meal but was instituting a new covenant through his body and blood. This new covenant was a pivotal part of the new exodus, with Jesus as the sacrificial lamb whose death and resurrection would bring about the ultimate liberation from sin.

Understanding Through Ancient Jewish Eyes

To fully grasp the significance of the Last Supper and Jesus’ role as the Messiah, the book encourages readers to understand these events through the lens of ancient Jewish beliefs and practices. This perspective reveals the deep and intricate connections between the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus.

Conclusion

The chapter concludes by reiterating that the Jewish people were awaiting a Messiah who would bring about a new exodus. Jesus’ actions and words at the Last Supper were designed to show that he was fulfilling these expectations in a profound and transformative way, establishing a new covenant and a new Passover that would lead his followers into a new era of salvation.

This chapter builds on the foundation laid in the first chapter, further exploring the Jewish roots of the Eucharist and providing a deeper understanding of Jesus’ mission and its significance in the context of Jewish tradition and expectation.

Chapter 3: The New Passover

The Biblical Roots of Passover

This chapter begins by examining the origins of Passover in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus. It describes how the first Passover was established as a commemoration of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. The key elements of the Passover ritual included the sacrifice of an unblemished lamb, the application of its blood on the doorposts, and the consumption of the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. This event marked the beginning of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, and it was to be remembered and celebrated annually by all generations.

What Was Passover Like at the Time of Jesus?

The author explores how Passover was observed during Jesus’ time, highlighting the continuity and developments in the celebration. Passover had become a highly ritualized feast with specific liturgical practices. Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship, was thronged with pilgrims coming to offer their Passover sacrifices. The priests in the Temple performed the ritual slaughter of lambs, and families would then gather to share the Passover meal, which included the retelling of the Exodus story.

Jesus and the New Passover

Dr. Pitre presents the Last Supper as Jesus’ institution of a new Passover. Unlike a typical Jewish Passover meal that commemorated the historical exodus, Jesus used this meal to inaugurate a new covenant. During the Last Supper, Jesus identified the bread and wine as his body and blood, signifying that he was the new Passover lamb whose sacrifice would bring about a new exodus, not from Egypt, but from sin and death.

The Sacrifice of the Lamb

The chapter draws parallels between the original Passover lamb and Jesus as the Lamb of God. Just as the lamb’s blood protected the Israelites from the angel of death, Jesus’ blood would protect his followers from eternal death. The sacrificial aspect of the Last Supper is emphasized, showing how Jesus’ actions fulfilled and transformed the Passover into a new covenant meal.

Repetition and Continuity

One crucial aspect of Jesus’ new Passover was his command to “do this in remembrance of me.” This directive was an echo of the Jewish command to remember the original Passover. By this act, Jesus established the Eucharist as a perpetual memorial of his sacrifice, to be observed by his followers throughout all generations. This continuity underscored the fulfillment of Jewish Passover traditions in the Christian Eucharist.

Conclusion

The chapter concludes by reiterating that Jesus’ Last Supper was both a continuation and a transformation of the Jewish Passover. By instituting the Eucharist, Jesus fulfilled the Jewish expectation of a new Passover and set the stage for a new exodus, leading his followers into a new covenant relationship with God through his sacrificial death and resurrection.

This chapter deepens the understanding of the connections between the Jewish Passover and the Christian Eucharist, highlighting how Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper were rooted in and transformed ancient Jewish traditions.

Chapter 4: The Bread of the Presence

The Bread of the Presence in Jewish Tradition

The chapter opens with an introduction to the Bread of the Presence, also known as the Showbread, which was a significant element of Jewish worship. This bread was kept in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, as a perpetual offering. It was placed on a golden table in the Holy Place, alongside the Ark of the Covenant and the golden Menorah. This bread symbolized God’s presence and his everlasting covenant with Israel.

The Biblical Description

The Bread of the Presence is first described in the Book of Exodus. God commands Moses to make a table of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, and to place twelve cakes of unleavened bread on it. These twelve cakes represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was to be set before the Lord every Sabbath and was to be eaten by the priests in a holy place, signifying a sacred meal shared with God.

The Bread as a Sign of God’s Presence

The bread was not just a symbolic offering; it was considered a visible sign of God’s presence among his people. The Hebrew term for “presence” is “panim,” which means “face.” Thus, the Bread of the Presence could be understood as the “Bread of the Face” of God. This concept is reinforced by the account of Moses and the elders eating and drinking in God’s presence on Mount Sinai, seeing a glimpse of the divine.

The Bread of the Presence and Jesus

Dr. Pitre explores how Jesus might have understood and referenced the Bread of the Presence in his ministry. Jesus’ identification of himself with bread and wine at the Last Supper can be seen as a fulfillment of this ancient tradition. The Bread of the Presence was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist, where he declared the bread and wine to be his body and blood, thus establishing a new and everlasting covenant.

Jesus as the New Bread of the Presence

The chapter argues that Jesus saw the Eucharist as the new Bread of the Presence. Just as the old bread was a sign of God’s covenant with Israel, the Eucharist is a sign of the new covenant through Jesus’ sacrifice. This new bread is not merely symbolic but is the real presence of Jesus, his body and blood offered for the salvation of humanity. By instituting the Eucharist, Jesus provided a way for his followers to be in his presence and partake in the divine life.

The Eucharist as Fulfillment

The author emphasizes that the Eucharist is the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrifices and the Bread of the Presence. It is both a meal and a sacrifice, a gift from God and an offering to God. The Eucharist, like the Bread of the Presence, is a means for believers to encounter the divine, receive spiritual nourishment, and renew their covenant with God.

Conclusion

The chapter concludes by highlighting the deep connections between the Jewish tradition of the Bread of the Presence and the Christian practice of the Eucharist. Understanding this connection enriches the appreciation of the Eucharist as a continuation and fulfillment of God’s covenant with his people. It underscores the continuity of God’s plan of salvation from the Old Testament to the New Testament, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ and the sacrament of the Eucharist.

This chapter provides a detailed exploration of the Bread of the Presence, its significance in Jewish worship, and its fulfillment in the Eucharist instituted by Jesus, drawing profound connections between ancient Jewish traditions and Christian beliefs.

Chapter 5: The Fourth Cup and the Death of Jesus

The Four Cups of Passover

The chapter starts by explaining the significance of the four cups of wine in the Jewish Passover meal, each representing different stages of the exodus story. The first cup is the cup of sanctification, the second is the cup of proclamation, the third is the cup of blessing, and the fourth is the cup of praise. The four cups structure the Passover Seder and each has a specific role in the celebration.

Jesus and the Fourth Cup

At the Last Supper, Jesus shared a meal with his disciples that followed the Passover tradition but with significant modifications. After sharing the third cup, the cup of blessing, Jesus made a vow not to drink wine again until he drank it anew in the kingdom of God. This vow was puzzling as it left the Passover meal incomplete, since the fourth cup was still to be consumed.

The Garden of Gethsemane

The narrative shifts to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed to the Father about the “cup” he must drink. This metaphorical reference aligns with his vow at the Last Supper and his impending suffering. Jesus’ prayer highlights his acceptance of his fate, intertwining his destiny with the Passover tradition.

Jesus’ Crucifixion and the Fourth Cup

As Jesus hung on the cross, he was offered wine twice. The first offer, mixed with myrrh, he refused. The second offer came just before his death when he said, “I thirst.” This act of drinking sour wine from a sponge is interpreted by Dr. Pitre as Jesus finally drinking the fourth cup, thus completing the Passover meal he started at the Last Supper. By doing so, Jesus fulfilled his vow and symbolically completed the Passover, uniting his sacrifice on the cross with the Eucharistic celebration.

Implications of the Fourth Cup

The chapter explains the theological implications of Jesus’ actions. By delaying the consumption of the fourth cup until the crucifixion, Jesus connected the Last Supper with his death, making the crucifixion an integral part of the new Passover. This act transformed the cross into a sacrificial altar and the Eucharist into the perpetual sacrifice of the new covenant.

Conclusion

The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding Jesus’ crucifixion through the lens of the Passover. The fourth cup serves as a critical link between the Last Supper and Jesus’ death, highlighting the continuity and fulfillment of Jewish tradition in the Christian faith. This understanding deepens the appreciation of the Eucharist as the new Passover, celebrating Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

This chapter provides a detailed exploration of the connections between the Jewish Passover and Jesus’ crucifixion, offering profound insights into the significance of the Eucharist in Christian theology.

Chapter 6: On the Road to Emmaus

The Emmaus Story

The chapter begins by recounting the story of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, as described in the Gospel of Luke. This event occurs on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples are despondent, discussing the recent events of Jesus’ crucifixion. A stranger joins them and begins to explain how the scriptures foretold the Messiah’s suffering and glory. It is only later, during the breaking of the bread, that the disciples recognize the stranger as Jesus.

Jesus’ Explanation of the Scriptures

Dr. Pitre emphasizes the significance of Jesus explaining the scriptures to the disciples. He likely referred to key Old Testament passages that foreshadowed his suffering and resurrection. This explanation recontextualized the events of Jesus’ life and death, showing how they fulfilled the messianic prophecies. The author suggests that this teaching session would have included references to the Passover lamb, the manna from heaven, and other significant symbols that Jesus had reinterpreted during his ministry.

The Breaking of the Bread

The recognition of Jesus in the breaking of the bread is a pivotal moment in the Emmaus story. Dr. Pitre argues that this act is not merely a casual meal but a deliberate echo of the Last Supper. The language used by Luke mirrors the words of institution spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, highlighting the Eucharistic nature of this event. This connection underscores the continuity between Jesus’ actions before his death and his post-resurrection appearances.

The Eucharist as the New Manna

The chapter revisits the theme of the Eucharist as the new manna. Just as the manna sustained the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness, the Eucharist sustains Christians on their spiritual journey. The recognition of Jesus in the breaking of the bread on the road to Emmaus reinforces the idea that the Eucharist is a means of encountering the risen Christ. Dr. Pitre draws on early Christian writings to support this interpretation, showing that the early Church understood the Eucharist as the fulfillment of the Old Testament manna.

The Continuity of the Jewish and Christian Faiths

Dr. Pitre stresses the importance of understanding the Jewish roots of Christian practices. The story of the road to Emmaus illustrates how the early Christians reinterpreted Jewish symbols and rituals in light of Jesus’ resurrection. This continuity highlights the deep connection between the Jewish and Christian faiths, emphasizing that Christianity is not a break from Judaism but its fulfillment.

Conclusion

The chapter concludes by affirming that the story of the road to Emmaus encapsulates the central themes of the book. It demonstrates how Jesus’ resurrection transformed the understanding of Jewish scriptures and rituals, revealing their fulfillment in his life, death, and resurrection. The breaking of the bread serves as a powerful symbol of this transformation, offering a tangible means for believers to encounter the risen Christ and participate in the new covenant.

This chapter provides a detailed analysis of the Emmaus story, illustrating how it encapsulates the themes of fulfillment and continuity that are central to understanding the Jewish roots of the Eucharist.

Chapter 7: The Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith

Pascha Means Passover

The chapter begins by explaining that the term “Pascha,” commonly used in early Christianity, is the Greek word for Passover. This linguistic link underscores the continuity between the Jewish Passover and the Christian celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The author emphasizes that understanding the Christian faith requires a recognition of its deep roots in Jewish traditions.

The Shadow of the Manna

Dr. Pitre explores the concept of manna as a foreshadowing of the Eucharist. The manna, provided by God to the Israelites in the wilderness, was seen as a miraculous and divine sustenance. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to himself as the “bread of life” and compares the manna to his own body, given for the life of the world. This comparison highlights the spiritual nourishment provided by the Eucharist, just as the manna sustained the Israelites physically.

In Remembrance of Me

The chapter delves into Jesus’ command to “do this in remembrance of me” during the Last Supper. Dr. Pitre explains that the term “remembrance” in a Jewish context implies a re-presentation rather than a mere recollection. This means that the Eucharist is not just a symbolic act but a real participation in the sacrifice of Jesus. By re-enacting the Last Supper, Christians enter into the mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection, making the past event present and active in their lives.

Jewish Liturgical Practices

The book examines how early Christian liturgical practices were influenced by Jewish worship. Elements such as the reading of scripture, prayers of thanksgiving, and the breaking of bread were all part of Jewish synagogue services and were adopted and adapted by early Christians. This continuity demonstrates how the early Church maintained its Jewish heritage while also recognizing the new reality brought about by Jesus’ resurrection.

Jesus as the Fulfillment

Dr. Pitre emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Jewish messianic expectations. The rituals and symbols of the Old Testament find their true meaning in Jesus, who completes and perfects them. The Eucharist, as the new Passover, is the ultimate expression of this fulfillment, bringing together the themes of sacrifice, covenant, and divine presence.

Conclusion

The chapter concludes by reaffirming the deep connection between Jewish and Christian faiths. Understanding the Jewish roots of Christian practices enriches the appreciation of the Eucharist and highlights the continuity of God’s plan of salvation. The author calls on readers to see the Eucharist not just as a Christian innovation but as the culmination of a long history of divine promise and fulfillment.

This chapter provides a comprehensive look at how Jewish traditions and beliefs underpin Christian faith, particularly in the celebration of the Eucharist. It underscores the importance of viewing Christian practices through the lens of their Jewish origins to fully appreciate their significance.

Chapter 8: On the Road to Emmaus

The Road to Emmaus Narrative

The final chapter recounts the story of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, as told in the Gospel of Luke. This event takes place on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. The two disciples are walking and discussing the recent events of Jesus’ crucifixion when a stranger joins them. This stranger, whom they do not recognize as Jesus, begins to explain how the scriptures foretold the Messiah’s suffering and glory.

Jesus Explains the Scriptures

Dr. Pitre emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ explanation of the scriptures to the disciples. Jesus interprets the Old Testament prophecies, showing how they pointed to his death and resurrection. This teaching session would have likely included references to key symbols and events, such as the Passover lamb, the manna from heaven, and other significant elements of Jewish tradition that Jesus had reinterpreted during his ministry.

Recognition in the Breaking of the Bread

The climax of the Emmaus story is when the disciples recognize Jesus during the breaking of the bread. Dr. Pitre argues that this act is not just a casual meal but a deliberate echo of the Last Supper. The language used by Luke is similar to the words of institution spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, highlighting the Eucharistic nature of this event. This moment signifies the presence of the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread, reinforcing the importance of the Eucharist in Christian worship.

The Eucharist as the New Manna

The chapter revisits the theme of the Eucharist as the new manna. Just as the manna sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, the Eucharist sustains Christians on their spiritual journey. The recognition of Jesus in the breaking of the bread on the road to Emmaus emphasizes the Eucharist as a means of encountering the risen Christ. Early Christian writings support this interpretation, indicating that the early Church understood the Eucharist as fulfilling the role of the Old Testament manna.

The Transformation of Jewish Symbols

Dr. Pitre discusses how early Christians reinterpreted Jewish symbols and rituals in light of Jesus’ resurrection. This transformation highlights the deep connection between Jewish and Christian faiths. The story of Emmaus serves as a prime example of how Jesus’ resurrection reshaped the understanding of Jewish traditions, revealing their fulfillment in his life, death, and resurrection.

The Emmaus Story and Christian Faith

The Emmaus story encapsulates the central themes of the book. It demonstrates how the resurrection of Jesus transformed the understanding of Jewish scriptures and rituals, revealing their fulfillment in his person. The breaking of the bread serves as a powerful symbol of this transformation, offering believers a tangible means to encounter the risen Christ and participate in the new covenant.

Conclusion

The chapter concludes by affirming that the story of the road to Emmaus encapsulates the central themes of the book. It demonstrates how Jesus’ resurrection transformed the understanding of Jewish scriptures and rituals, revealing their fulfillment in his life, death, and resurrection. The breaking of the bread serves as a powerful symbol of this transformation, offering a tangible means for believers to encounter the risen Christ and participate in the new covenant.

This chapter provides a detailed analysis of the Emmaus story, illustrating how it encapsulates the themes of fulfillment and continuity that are central to understanding the Jewish roots of the Eucharist.

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