The Last Supper
Luke 22:7-23 (MSG)
Luke 22:7-23 (MSG)
The Day of Unleavened Bread came, the day the Passover lamb was butchered. Jesus sent Peter and John off, saying, "Go prepare the Passover for us so we can eat it together."
They said, "Where do you want us to do this?"
He said, "Keep your eyes open as you enter the city. A man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him home. Then speak with the owner of the house: The Teacher wants to know, 'Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?' He will show you a spacious second-story room, swept and ready. Prepare the meal there."
They left, found everything just as he told them, and prepared the Passover meal.
When it was time, he sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, "You've no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It's the last one I'll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God."
Taking the cup, he blessed it, then said, "Take this and pass it among you. As for me, I'll not drink wine again until the kingdom of God arrives."
Taking bread, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, given for you. Eat it in my memory."
He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you.
"Do you realize that the hand of the one who is betraying me is at this moment on this table? It's true that the Son of Man is going down a path already marked out—no surprises there. But for the one who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man, this is doomsday."
They immediately became suspicious of each other and began quizzing one another, wondering who might be about to do this.
GOING DEEPER:
1. It’s the last time Jesus will share a meal with His beloved disciples. As we read His words, we can sense His high level of emotions and deep love for them as He tells them about what He is about to do…and about the new covenant He is about to establish for them and all others who choose to believe. What emotions do you experience as you ponder on this passage?
2. Read the other gospel accounts of Jesus’ last supper with His disciples (see verses below). What new or different information do you learn from these?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; John 13:21-30
