The Last Supper

Jesus (Jamie Ward) is preaching by the seashore, becomes aware of the late hour and, concerned for the crowd’s welfare, miraculously feeds the thousands from a basketful of bread and fish. Judas Iscariot (Robert Knepper) sees an opportunity to introduce Jesus to men of political power, but Our Lord is not interested and once again leaves Judas confused as to what His plans really are.

The film then transitions to the week leading up to the last Passover meal that Jesus will celebrate with his Disciples, before His ultimate sacrifice upon a Roman cross for the sins of the world.

Peter (James Oliver Wheatley) expresses concern over Judas, but still admiringly refers to him as perhaps the sharpest one of them all. His hunch is correct, as it will be through Judas that Jesus will be handed over to the high priest Caiaphas (James Faulkner) for a mock trial condemning Him to death.

Told mostly from the viewpoints of Judas Iscariot, Peter and John, “The Last Supper” uses artistic license to craft conversations not found within the Gospels, but without deviating to any great extent from Holy Scripture. The contrast between Our Lord’s supper with His disciples and the family downstairs sharing a Passover meal is a unique dramatization that I have never seen on film before and was an unexpected highlight.

The usual warnings about objectionable content is not needed here, with the exception of images of intense violence, primarily inflicted upon our Lord and Savior.

VIOLENCE: Moderate. Reserved for the last third of the film, there are fleeting images of the coming crucifixion that flash before Jesus’ eyes, including that of the nailing of His hands and feet and the spear that pierced His side to confirm His death. Prior to this, Jesus is beaten, by the High Priest’s guards and some resultant wounds are seen. During the fighting in the Olive Garden, an ear is seen being cut-off but the wound is covered by the victim’s hand.

Additionally, there is the frequent image of Satan as both a snake, a leprous beggar, and a beast-like man that torments Judas via whispers and ultimately drives him to suicide. There are prolonged views of a hanged Judas’ feet.

Lessons

The ministry of Jesus in the film is limited, but from what Holy Scripture tells us, we know that both He and His Father in heaven see us for who we truly are.

“…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” —1 Samuel 6:7

Judas is a prime example of how even if you walk and talk with Jesus for years, if you have a stubborn, prideful heart you will not be able to honestly call Him your Lord and Master. Ah, but what if you approach Our Lord with a humble and contrite heart?

‘And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto Him, “Lord, is it I?” —Matthew 26:22

Notice that all the disciples (except one) are showing both their own humility and their trust that the Lord knows them better than they do. That is the kind of heart God can use.

The primary focus of this film is naturally The Lord’s Supper and, when examined next to the Passover meal, one can actually perceive the Scriptures being satisfied at last. At the Seder or Passover meal being held throughout Jerusalem, little did anyone realize that night how much of prophesy was coming true.

The blood of a spotless lamb (Jesus) (Exodus 12:1-13), the provision that the lamb’s bones be not broken (Exodus 12:46), the three pieces of the matzah echoing the Holy Trinity, the secreting away of another matzah (Afikoman) which is placed in a linen cloth similar to Jesus’ burial cloth or the fact that Jesus was executed at the same time the lambs in the temple were being sacrificed for Israel’s sins. And so much more.

The symbols for Christ in the Passover were there all along.

Final Thoughts

Slight variances from Scripture are noticeable, but not irreverent. Overall, I welcome any just, biblical treatment on the life of Jesus and this film fits solidly into that category.

A Hollywood-produced film might lean heavily into altering Scripture, yet have richer cinematography, sets and a bombastic score. “The Last Supper,” however, is a simple, grounded and genuine film, making it a welcome change of pace. Recommended.

• Violence: Moderate
• Drugs/Alcohol: Minor
• Profane language: None
• Vulgar/Crude language: None
• Nudity: None
• Sex: None
• Occult: None
• Wokeism: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in Christian Spotlight reviews are those of the reviewers themselves, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Christian Answers.