SEEING THE JOHANNINE LAST MEAL AS A COVENANT MEAL (JOHN 13 AND EXODUS 24)

This article investigates structural and thematic similarities between John 13 and Exodus 24: (1) the representatives of each group were invited to a meal, and they saw God and ate before him; (2) the groups received divine commandments; (3) the groups responded positively but failed soon afterward; (4) the narratives include or imply a blood ritual; and (5) there was an intermediary among the invited who had a more intimate relationship with God. These common elements encourage us to understand John 13 as a covenant meal.