One Last Supper

• What do you think the mood was like during the Last Supper?

• Why were the disciples so confused about what Jesus told them?

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ “
Matthew 26:31

On the night he was arrested, Jesus shared one last meal with his disciples. While they were eating, Jesus broke the bad news to them. That very night, he said, he was going to be betrayed by one of the men at the table. He was going to be arrested, put on trial and killed.

With words the disciples wouldn’t understand until later, Jesus explained that the bread represented his body, which was going to be broken soon. The wine represented his blood, which was going to be poured out for his followers.

The disciples were stunned. Peter vowed that he would never leave Jesus, just hours before he and the rest of the disciples went into hiding. As if the horror of his coming crucifixion wasn’t enough, Jesus had to endure being deserted and betrayed by his closest friends.

When we go through tough times, to whom do we turn for comfort and support? Our friends and loved ones. But when Jesus faced the worst crisis anyone has ever faced, he did it alone. And he did it for us.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for the faithful friends you’ve brought into our lives. As we think about how Jesus’ friends deserted him, give us the strength to stay faithful to you and to our friends when they need us. Amen.