The Room of The Last Supper: The Place of Two Traditions
Introduction
Nestled in Jerusalem, this sanctuary, also known as the Cenacle, is not just a historical site but a testament to faith that has stood the test of time.
Location
The Room of the Last Supper is situated on Mount Zion, just outside the Zion Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City.
The Biblical Context of the Last Supper
In the Room of the Last Supper, one of the most momentous events recorded in the New Testament ocured, according to Christian tradition, . It was the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. According to the Bible, during the Last Supper, several significant events occurred:
The Breaking of Bread and Sharing of Wine
Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” He did the same with the wine, referring to it as his blood, establishing what is now known as the Eucharist or Holy Communion in Christian practice.
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Luke 22:19-20
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal
Jesus revealed that one among the disciples would betray him. This was a reference to Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.”
Mark 14:18
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
In a humble act of service, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and urged them to serve one another.
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.
John 13:3-4
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed.
Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.
Matthew 26:34
The Biblical Context of the Pentacost
Another important event believed to have occurred in The Room of the Last Supper is Pentacost. The Pentacost is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. This event marks the birth of the Christian Church. The importance of Pentecost lies in the empowerment and transformation it bestowed upon the disciples. It enabled them to spread the teachings of Jesus, laying the foundation for the growth of Christianity.
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1-4
Historical Context: A Church Converted into a Mosque
The identification of the Cenacle as the site of the Room of the Last Supper dates back to the early Christian period. Originally, the building was likely part of a Judeo-Christian synagogue. However, by the 4th century, Byzantine Christians constructed a church called Hagia Sion (Holy Zion) at the site, which housed both the Cenacle and what was believed to be the tomb of King David.
The Crusaders expanded the church in the 12th century, and the Cenacle was given a Gothic revamp. The Franciscans took guardianship of the site until the 16th century when the Ottoman Empire seized control of Jerusalem. During the Ottoman reign, the Cenacle was converted into a mosque, partly due to the belief that the site also housed the Tomb of King David, revered by Muslims.
The Cenacle thus became a fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic influences.
Archaeological Findings at the Room of the Last Supper
The Room of the Last Supper, or the Cenacle, has undergone significant transformations over the centuries.
It is architecturally divided into six rib-vaulted bays, supported by three freestanding columns and six pillars along the side walls. One of the columns is completely independent of the wall, suggesting that the wall may not be original to the building.
The column and pillar capitals provide some clues to the building’s origin, but no definitive answers. One of the capitals, with its spiky leaves and scrolls, is similar to the work produced by a 12th-century sculpture workshop at the Temple site in Jerusalem. This workshop included artists from various Western regions, who brought their native stylistic traits with them. The workshop produced sculptures for many Crusader projects and structures, including the al-Aqsa mosque. This evidence supports the theory that the Cenacle dates back to the 12th century. But there are other theories that claim the Cenacle was built at a later time.
The Room of the Last Supper’s ceiling has the “Agnus Dei” or “Lamb of God” symbol, and it is filled with decorated medievil pillars. The room is rectangular and Gothic in style. One of the intriguing aspects of the room is the stained glass Ottoman windows and Arabic inscriptions. Near the minaret, stairs lead up to the roof, which offers breathtaking views of the Mount of Olives.
- Impressive Gothic Structure: The Room of the Last Supper is constructed in a Gothic style, characterized by a rectangular shape, vaulted ceilings, and arches. The Gothic elements of the structure are representative of the architectural styles that prevailed in medieval Europe.
- Agnus Dei Symbol: The”Agnus Dei” or “Lamb of God” symbol at the apex of one of the room’s arches holds deep significance in Christian tradition.
- Decorated Medieval Pillars: The room contains pillars that are typical of medieval architecture. These pillars are ornately decorated and support the vaulted ceiling. One of the pillars is shaped as a Plican, an early symbol of Christianity.
- Decorated Windows: The chamber room within the Cenacle resembles a mosque, complete with stained glass Ottoman windows. These windows have intricate designs and include Arabic inscriptions, reflecting the Muslim influence on the site. The mosque features a minbar, traditionally used in mosques for sermons.
Additional Sources:
Cenacle – Wikipedia
Last Supper – Wikipedia
Nearby Sites
- King David’s Tomb: Located in the lower story of the same building that houses the Room of the Last Supper, It’s believed to be the burial place of the biblical King David.
- The Jewish Quarter: Just passed the Zion Gate, the Jewish Quarter is revealed. This area is home to several ancient synagogues, and historical buildings, and the Broad Wall erected by King Hezekiah in the 8th century BC.
- St. James Cathedral This cathedral is dedicated to two Saints named James – St. James the Greater, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, and St. James the Just, who was the brother of Jesus.
- The Roman Cardo Maximus: The Cardo is a remarkable representation of Roman engineering. Once the main thoroughfare in ancient Jerusalem, this grand column-lined street now houses a variety of shops and galleries.
