The Explanation

Jesus wanted to eat one more meal with his friends. It was the Passover meal, a special supper the people of Israel always ate. Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to make it ready in a big upstairs room. That evening Jesus sat down with all twelve of his friends around the table.

He took bread, thanked God for it, broke it, and gave it to them. "This is my body which is given for you," he said. "Do this in memory of me." Then he took a cup of wine and said it was the new covenant in his blood, poured out for them. It sounded strange, but Jesus meant something huge: he was about to give his whole life for them.

Then Jesus said something that must have made everyone go quiet. One of the friends at this very table would betray him. The disciples started asking each other, "Could it be me?" And right after that, can you believe it, they started arguing about who among them was the greatest! Jesus told them a real leader does not act like a king who is served. A real leader serves others, like Jesus himself was doing.

Jesus warned Peter that Satan wanted to shake him like wheat in a sieve. Peter said boldly, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!" But Jesus knew better. Before the rooster would crow that very night, Peter would say three times that he did not even know Jesus.

Later Jesus went out to the Mount of Olives to pray. He was so scared and sad that his sweat fell like drops of blood. "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me," he prayed. "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." While he prayed like that, his friends fell asleep from grief nearby.

Then came Judas, with a whole crowd carrying swords and clubs. Judas walked up to Jesus and kissed him, that was the signal to arrest him. One disciple grabbed a sword and cut off a man's ear, but Jesus touched it and healed him, even now.

They dragged Jesus away. Peter followed at a distance and sat by a fire in the courtyard. Three times people said, "You were with him!" Three times Peter said, "I don't know him." Then the rooster crowed. Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter. Peter remembered Jesus' words, and he went out and wept bitterly.

What Does This Mean?

This chapter shows us Jesus giving everything for his friends, even while they were failing him. He was betrayed by one friend and denied by another, yet he still healed an enemy's ear and still prayed for Peter. Jesus is not looking for perfect friends. He keeps loving even the ones who let him down.

The Common Thread

Long ago, God's people were saved when they ate the Passover meal and were kept safe from death. Now Jesus becomes the true Passover. His body and blood, given at that table, save us from something far worse than danger in Egypt. This was God's promise coming true, right there in that upstairs room.

For You

Have you ever said sorry too late, like Peter? Jesus did not stop loving Peter after he messed up. He looked at him, and later restored him. When you fail, you can come back to Jesus too. He still wants you close, just like he wanted Peter close.

Talk About It

Why do you think Peter said he didn't know Jesus, even after promising he never would?

Jesus said the greatest one should serve others. Can you think of a way to serve someone at home this week?

Praying Together

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us, even when we fail you. Help us to come back to you, like Peter did. Teach us to serve others, just like you served your friends. Amen.