In this podcast I talk with Brant Pitre about the Last Supper. Specifically, we look at the chronology of Holy Week. In particular, Brant discusses an issue he has long labored over: the question of the date of the Last Supper.
As many know, there appears to be a discrepancy between the Synoptic and Johannine accounts. In the Synoptics, Jesus' Last Supper is a Passover meal. In the Gospel of John, however, there are indications that Passover has not yet been celebrated.
This is a topic Brant will tackle in much greater detail in a massive academic monograph he is just finishing up for Eerdmans. The book is a look at the historical Jesus and the Last Supper. This is a book he has been working for several years--as you can probably tell from this podcast.
Also, be sure to check out Brant's recent book, a runaway best-seller, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper (Doubleday, 2011). I've written a detailed review of this book over at the amazon link provided. In addition, check out Brant's audio presentations on Jesus and the Eucharist here.
Finally, be sure to check out previous podcasts of our show for more on the Eucharist.
Have a Holy Thursday!
Listen on iTunes or click the link below. Look for more information on this podcast over at the corresponding post at TheSacredPage.com As many know, there appears to be a discrepancy between the Synoptic and Johannine accounts. In the Synoptics, Jesus' Last Supper is a Passover meal. In the Gospel of John, however, there are indications that Passover has not yet been celebrated.
This is a topic Brant will tackle in much greater detail in a massive academic monograph he is just finishing up for Eerdmans. The book is a look at the historical Jesus and the Last Supper. This is a book he has been working for several years--as you can probably tell from this podcast.Also, be sure to check out Brant's recent book, a runaway best-seller, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper (Doubleday, 2011). I've written a detailed review of this book over at the amazon link provided. In addition, check out Brant's audio presentations on Jesus and the Eucharist here.
Finally, be sure to check out previous podcasts of our show for more on the Eucharist.
Have a Holy Thursday!
Feel free to leave your comments below.
Holy Thursday Podcast: Brant Pitre on the Date of the Last Supper
As always, I'd like to express my gratitude to Saint Joseph's Communications, who generously support this podcast. They are also offering our listeners a free copy of the first CD from Scott Hahn's audio set on Jesus' Seven Sayings from the Cross. Also, again, during this Lent as you're making your almsgiving plans, please consider calling them up and giving them a donation, 1-800-526-2151. (And don't forget to thank them for supporting the show!) I'm not sure how to get these sets via mp3 download. Just give them a call and they can help you out. (800-526-2151).
3 comments:
Brant,
I learned about a fourth meaning of the Passover, thanks.
There is one big piece of the puzzle you know, but have not recognized, witnessed to in practically every verse of the gospels. I would never have recognized it without Dr. Jaubert book on dating the Last Supper and coming to understand the star of Bethlehem. I have been studying Biblical chronology since entering graduate school over thirty years ago. Jesus always kept the not just the official lunar-solar Passover of the Sadducees in the first month. But also the official passover in the second month; the solar Passovers in the first and second month and many of these passovers included a second week. This understanding, a careful reading of the gospels and some arithmetic allow accurate dating of Jesus recorded life. Jesus only served special meal on the solar Passover. The Passover events and requirements were made for Jesus’ so when He was identified as the Christ or the son of David—the lamb was chosen, when He cleansed the temple or a lepers or forgave sin—He was cleansing His house. Where there was a treasure (e.g. 150 gal of wine) it was the treasure of Passover. When Jesus healed all it was so all were healthy for Passover. The bitter herbs are the bitter events of His ministry. There is always a baptism/burial event. There are always questions asked. When Jesus kept a watch in the night—it was a Passover, when He left on a immediate journey it was a Passover journey, etc. etc. See “The chronology of Jesus’ Life” http://www.scripturescholar.com/ChronologyJesus.pdf
grace and peace,
Bruce Killian
As always a fascinating discussion about the Scriptures. I cannot wait read the details Brent's future book. I can witness that a deeper understanding of the Jewish roots of our faith, not only allows many Jews to open themselves to Jesus but also allows us to live more deeply our life as Christians.
Thanks again for your work and insight!
Good stuff. I used to argue for the very few you are putting forward (which is in Alfred Edersheim's appendix to his book on the Temple). I have come to disbelieve in this view, however. If a small pushback might be welcomed here, I think a few mishandlings of rabbinic texts have occurred in this presentation. For example, the idea of going out on Pesah evening to give to the poor is an inference from the Haggadah, but there is no basis to either assume this existed in the 2nd Temple Period or that people would leave a Seder to go out and give to the poor.
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