A revelatory exploration of the Jewish roots of the Last Supper that seeks to understand exactly what happened at Jesus’ final Passover. “Clear, profound and practical—you do not want to miss this book.”—Dr. Scott Hahn, author of The Lamb’s Supper and The Fourth Cup Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist shines fresh light on the Last Supper by looking at it through Jewish eyes. Using … the Last Supper by looking at it through Jewish eyes. Using his in-depth knowledge of the Bible and ancient Judaism, Dr. Brant Pitre answers questions such as: What was the Passover like at the time of Jesus? What were the Jewish hopes for the Messiah? What was Jesus’ purpose in instituting the Eucharist during the feast of Passover? And, most important of all, what did Jesus mean when he said, “This is my body… This is my blood”?
To answer these questions, Pitre explores ancient Jewish beliefs about the Passover of the Messiah, the miraculous Manna from heaven, and the mysterious Bread of the Presence. As he shows, these three keys—the Passover, the Manna, and the Bread of the Presence—have the power to unlock the original meaning of the Eucharistic words of Jesus. Along the way, Pitre also explains how Jesus united the Last Supper to his death on Good Friday and his Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Inspiring and informative, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist is a groundbreaking work that is sure to illuminate one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith: the mystery of Jesus’ presence in “the breaking of the bread.”
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Not a book for everyone, but if you are interested in the deep intersection and interplay of ancient Judaism and early Christianity, I cannot think of a more essential read than this. I have studied Scripture and Christian theology all my life, yet I keep discovering how much I don’t know. Pitre is a scholar who digs deep and asks all the right questions. He humbles the reader–very gently–while at the same time making connections that enlighten and inspire. The title is its own description of the book’s goal and contents. I look forward to reading more of this author’s fascinating works.
This is a great book. I obtained priceless information regarding the Jewish roots of the Eucharist. I am grateful to the author for so many years of hard work and research to gift us with such a wonderful document based on scriptures and ancient Jewish books. I highly recommend it. Five stars are not enough to show my evaluation of this book and how it has impacted my faith .
Good scripture commentary that gets one reflecting more deeply on the Scriptures.
This is a great book to read very informative you won’t be disappointed in this book.
Brant Pitre’s book is a compelling read looking extensively at both the Old Testament and the Testament at the significance of God’s miraculous provision for us tracing from the manna that he provided to the Israelites daily for forty years, the twelve loaves of showbread in the Temple, the establishment of the passover and connecting many parallels to the bread and wine that Jesus used at the last supper and moving us to our experiences of Jesus’ real presence with us at the communion table at the Great Thanksgiving (Eucharist). The passover was not consummated with the killing of the sacrificial lamb, but with its consumption at a meal shared together. In the same manner Christian communion is not completed by the words of any pastor or priest; it is experienced only as we receive the bread and wine at the community table together. Pitre’s extensive analysis of the Jewish Passover, supported by both the Scriptures and other important historical writings of that period is absolutely stellar. After reading this outstanding treatise, I dare say no one would believe the bread and wine at communion is only a symbol to help us remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us; it is far more. Every Christian who wants to fully appreciate the long-term provision of God for his people should find this book an enjoyable, educational read.
A great explanation of the doctrine of the Eucharist and its roots in antiquity.
I learned so much I never knew before, and I have studied and read scripture for most of my 72 years. Brant Pitre writes a clear, concise book anyone can understand.
Incredible work of research connecting all the dots!
Good for clergy and informed laity
I really enjoyed this book.
Great book. Open’s up the OT to help you understand Jesus
Learned a lot.
The book is a great reference tool and ties the Christian and Jewish experiences in a comforting way. I’m still reading the book and it continues to open my eyes in blending the old and new testaments into one unifying truth: Jesus is the Way!