The Last Supper

During the Day of Unleavened Bread, Jesus directed Peter and John to prepare the Passover. He instructed them to enter the city where they would meet a man carrying a jar of water and to follow him to a house. Jesus stated they should ask the master of that house for the guest room where he might eat the Passover with his disciples. The text does not say the name of the master, but records that the disciples found a large, furnished upper room as they had been told (Luke 22:7-13).

When the hour arrived, Jesus sat with the apostles and expressed his desire to eat this Passover with them before his suffering. He took a cup, gave thanks, and told them to divide it among themselves, stating he would not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. He then took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, identifying it as his body given for them. He likewise took the cup after supper, identifying it as the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:14-20). He then revealed that the hand of the one betraying him was with him on the table.

A dispute arose among the apostles regarding which of them was considered the greatest. Jesus responded by contrasting their leadership with the kings of the Gentiles, stating the greatest among them should be like the youngest. He promised them thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel because they had stayed with him in his trials. Jesus specifically addressed Simon, stating that Satan had asked to sift him like wheat, but Jesus had prayed for his faith not to fail. Although Simon Peter claimed he was ready to go to prison and to death, Jesus told him the rooster would not crow that day until Peter had denied knowing him three times (Luke 22:24-34).

Finally, Jesus questioned the disciples about their previous lack of supplies, then instructed those with a moneybag or knapsack to take them, and those without a sword to sell their cloaks to buy one. He stated that the scripture concerning him being numbered with the transgressors must be fulfilled. The disciples produced two swords, and Jesus stated it was enough (Luke 22:35-38).