The Last Supper

The Last Supper

(The Lords Supper)

"On the first day of the Festival of the Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?” Jesus answered, “Go into the city, to the house of a certain man, and tell him; "The Master says, My hour is near, and l will celebrate the Passover with my disciples in your house.’ ” The disciples did as Jesus had ordered them and prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, Jesus sat at table with the Twelve. While they were eating, Jesus said, “Truly, l say to you, one of you will betray me.” They were deeply distressed and asked him in turn, “Not l, Lord, surely?” He answered, “He who will betray me is one who has dipped his bread in the dish with me. The Son of Man is going as the Scriptures say he will. But alas for that man who betrays the Son of Man; better for him if he had never been born.” Judas, who was to betray him, also asked, “You do not mean me, Master, do you?” Jesus replied, “You have said it.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup and gave thanks, and passed it to them saying, “Drink from this, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Yes, l say to you: l will not taste the fruit of the vine from now until the day l drink anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” After singing psalms of praise, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all desert me tonight. For Scripture says: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. But after my resurrection l will go ahead of you to Galilee.” Peter responded, “Even though all desert you, l never will.” Jesus replied, “Truly, l say to you; this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said, “Though l have to die with you, l will never deny you." And all the disciples said the same.