The Last Supper

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, the disciples asked Jesus where they should prepare the Passover. He sent them into the city with instructions, and they found it just as he said. They prepared the meal, and when evening came, Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve.

During the meal, Jesus said that one of them would betray him. The disciples were distressed and began asking who it could be. Jesus said it was one who shared the dish with him, and he warned that this betrayal was a terrible thing. Judas also spoke. Later, after Jesus handed him a piece of bread, Judas went out into the night.

As they ate, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to the disciples. He also took the cup and spoke about his blood of the new covenant, poured out for many. He told them he had deeply desired to eat this Passover with them, and that he would not drink again from the fruit of the vine until God's Kingdom.

At the table, a dispute arose about which of them should be considered greatest. Jesus told them that among his followers, greatness must not look like worldly power. Instead, the greater one should be like the younger, and the leader like one who serves. He reminded them that he was among them as one who serves.

After they sang a hymn, they went out toward the Mount of Olives. Jesus said they would all stumble that night and be scattered, yet after he was raised he would go ahead of them into Galilee. Peter insisted he would not fall away, and said he was ready to go with Jesus even to prison or death.

Jesus answered that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. He also said he had prayed for Peter, so that when he turned back he could strengthen the others. Then Jesus warned that difficult days were coming. The disciples mentioned two swords, and he said, 'That is enough.' What do you notice Jesus preparing his friends for at this meal?