The Last Supper

Matthew 26:17-30; John 13:1-30

He washed their feet, broke the bread, and told them one of them would betray him.

Thursday evening. Jesus and the twelve gather in an upper room for Passover. Before the meal, Jesus does something shocking — he wraps a towel around his waist, pours water into a basin, and begins washing the disciples' feet. The work of the lowest servant, performed by the master. Peter resists. Jesus insists. During the meal, Jesus takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it: This is my body, given for you. Then the cup: This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many. He is reinterpreting the Passover around himself. Then the bombshell: One of you will betray me. The disciples look at each other in confusion. Judas slips out into the night. Jesus and the others sing a hymn and walk to the Mount of Olives.

• Servanthood
• Sacrifice
• Covenant
• Betrayal