Learn the Story of Jesus

Season 7:The Final Week of Jesus

7.6 — The Last Supper

7.6 — The Last Supper

A New Covenant Remembered

As Passover approached, Jesus gathered with His disciples for a meal that would become one of the most important events in Christian history.

For centuries, Jewish families had celebrated Passover to remember God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

Now Jesus would give the meal an even deeper meaning.

The disciples expected a traditional Passover celebration.

They did not yet understand that Jesus Himself was about to become the true Passover Lamb.

During this meal, Jesus shared final teachings, demonstrated humble service, predicted betrayal, and established a new way for His followers to remember Him.

The Last Supper stands at the center of Christian worship because it points directly to the sacrifice Jesus would make on the cross.

Scripture References

Matthew 26:17–30

Mark 14:12–26

Luke 22:7–38

John 13:1–38

1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Exodus 12

Jeremiah 31:31–34

The Story

Jesus instructed Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal.

That evening, He gathered with the Twelve in an upper room in Jerusalem.

As the meal began, Jesus surprised His disciples.

He took the role of a servant and washed their feet.

The disciples were astonished.

Foot washing was normally performed by the lowest servant in a household.

Yet Jesus willingly humbled Himself to serve.

During the meal, Jesus announced that one of the disciples would betray Him.

The news shocked everyone.

Each disciple began asking:

“Surely it is not I, Lord?”

Jesus then took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples.

He said:

“This is My body which is given for you.”

He then took a cup and said:

“This cup is the new covenant in My blood.”

For the first time, Jesus connected the Passover meal directly to His coming sacrifice.

The bread pointed to His body.

The cup pointed to His blood.

The disciples did not fully understand.

Soon they would.

Understanding the Story

What Was Passover?

Passover commemorated God’s rescue of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

The blood of a lamb protected Israelite households during the final plague.

Each year, Jewish families remembered God’s deliverance.

Why Is This Meal So Important?

Jesus transformed the meaning of Passover.

The meal now pointed not only backward to Egypt but forward to the cross.

Jesus became the ultimate Passover Lamb.

Why Did Jesus Wash Their Feet?

The act demonstrated humility and servant leadership.

Jesus showed His disciples how His followers should treat one another.

Greatness in God’s Kingdom is expressed through service.

Understanding Jesus

What Is the New Covenant?

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah foretold a new covenant between God and His people.

Jesus declared that His death would establish that covenant.

Forgiveness, reconciliation, and a restored relationship with God would be made possible through Him.

Why Use Bread and Wine?

The bread symbolized His body.

The cup symbolized His blood.

These visible elements help believers remember Christ’s sacrifice.

What Is Communion?

Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, is a Christian practice that remembers Jesus’ death and celebrates the salvation He provides.

Churches observe Communion in different ways, but all point back to this meal.

Understanding Jesus: The Upper Room

The meal took place in an upper room in Jerusalem.

Large upper rooms were commonly used for gatherings and celebrations.

The setting provided privacy during a week when opposition against Jesus was increasing.

Many of Jesus’ final teachings to His disciples occurred in this location.

Old Testament Connections

The Last Supper is deeply connected to Passover.

The lamb sacrificed in Egypt pointed toward Christ.

Jeremiah’s prophecy of a new covenant pointed toward Christ.

The sacrificial system pointed toward Christ.

The entire Old Testament story finds fulfillment in Jesus.

The Last Supper brings many of these themes together.

Missing Context Check

Did the Disciples Understand Everything Immediately?

No.

Many details became clearer only after Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Why Is Communion Important?

It helps believers remember Christ’s sacrifice and proclaim the Gospel.

Is Communion About Remembering or Receiving Grace?

Christians have understood this in different ways throughout church history.

All agree that Communion points believers to Jesus and His saving work.

A Deeper Look: A Table of Grace

The Last Supper is remarkable because everyone at the table needed grace.

Peter would deny Jesus.

The disciples would scatter.

Judas would betray Him.

Yet Jesus still served them.

He still taught them.

He still offered the bread and cup.

The meal reminds believers that salvation is not earned.

It is received through God’s grace.

Every Communion table points back to that truth.

See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for other lessons about worship, sacrifice, and discipleship.

Key Themes

Jesus Is the Passover Lamb

His sacrifice brings salvation.

The New Covenant Has Begun

Forgiveness comes through Christ.

Servant Leadership Matters

Jesus demonstrated humility through service.

Communion Remembers the Cross

Believers continue remembering Christ through the Lord’s Supper.

Why This Lesson Matters

Christians throughout the world continue gathering around the Lord’s Table.

The Last Supper reminds believers of God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, and the hope of salvation.

The lesson also challenges Christians to serve others with humility.

The One who deserved to be served chose instead to serve.

Connecting to Jesus

This lesson reveals Jesus as:

The Passover Lamb.

The Servant King.

The Mediator of the New Covenant.

The Savior.

The One who gave His life for the world.

Every Communion celebration points back to Him.

Living the Message

Take time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice.

Approach Communion with gratitude and reverence.

Look for opportunities to serve others humbly.

Thank God for the new covenant made possible through Jesus.

Remember that God’s grace is greater than human failure.

Reflection Questions

Why is Passover important to understanding the Last Supper?

Possible answers:

Passover points to Jesus as the true Lamb of God.

Why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet?

Possible answers:

To demonstrate humility and servant leadership.

What does the bread represent?

Possible answers:

The body of Christ.

What does the cup represent?

Possible answers:

The blood of Christ and the new covenant.

Why does Communion matter?

Possible answers:

It helps believers remember Jesus’ sacrifice.

GROW Framework

Grounded in Scripture

Jesus established Communion and revealed Himself as the Passover Lamb.

Reasons We Believe

Christ’s sacrifice provides forgiveness and salvation.

Obedience in Action

Approach worship and Communion with gratitude and humility.

Walk It Out

Serve someone this week in the spirit of Christ.