Sunday August 30, 2020 - Matthew 26:17-25 - The Last Supper

1. The Last Supper Matthew 26:17-25

2. Customs about lodging in the Near East • Some places provided lodging for men only. • People were reluctant to invite large groups into their homes, especially a party of men with no women accompanying them. • Inns existed just for unmarried strangers, foreigners, and gentiles. • Women were not permitted to work at inns with gentiles.

3. Customs about lodging in the Near East • Women were not permitted to draw water for foreigners or strangers. • Men worked at the lodges for the gentiles and brought water to them in sheepskin containers. • Women brought water to their families at homes and other places using earthen vessels, which could be carried on their heads.

4. Customs about meals and the sharing of food • Near Eastern Semitic men usually expressed their emotions openly, whether of sorrow, joy, or deep disappointment. • Good friend exchange sop (bread soaked in gravy), by sharing and dipping into each other's food. • It was a token of friendship and loyalty to share food. • The choice of food was always placed before the honored guest. • The honored guest would share that food with whomever he wished.

5. Customs about meals and the sharing of food • Two dishes and two spoons were sufficient for twelve guests, especially during a wedding or festival. • Men often took food from the dish of another man sitting near him. • Often a man would eat half a sop and hand it to another man. This act was considered a token of love between two friends. • A man bestowed a great honor on another man by eating the other half of the sop or eating from his friend's dish.

6. For Us Today • Lying is bad • My Rite Aid marriage advice

7. Lying to God is bad