Session 11: The Supper

Session Overview

Creedal Statement

Coming soon.

Key Elements

• Key Passage - Matthew 26:1–75
• Scripture Memory - The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29
• Catechism - Q: What meal has God called his church to regularly practice? A: Communion.

Introduction

I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before My suffering. For I tell you that I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

My love has been crucified, and there is no fire in me desiring to be fed; but there is within me a water that lives and speaks, saying to me inwardly, Come to the Father. I have no delight in corruptible food, nor in the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, the heavenly bread, the bread of life, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became afterwards of the seed of David and Abraham; and I desire the drink of God, namely His blood, which is incorruptible love and eternal life. Ignatius of Antioch, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans

One characteristic of a distinctively Christian faith is devotion to Christ that is faithfully expressed with the Christian community. To be a disciple of Christ is to offer more than mere words of fidelity. We are called to display our faith and allegiance to Jesus in the actions of our lives. Spiritual disciplines are embodied practices that help bridge the gap between faith profession and faith practice. Some spiritual exercises are expressions of individual devotion. Others are community practices, meant to be done in our family and church contexts. When done faithfully, personal and communal practices are a testimony to the watching world that Jesus is our Savior and Lord. The Lord’s Supper is a most sacred practice of the Christian faith. Essentially, it is a meal of communion—communion with God and communion with other believers—that expresses our devotion to Christ by confessing, celebrating, and proclaiming Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. In communion, believers dramatically and vividly retell the central story of this gospel narrative. The New Testament commands us to practice this meal, and it is modeled by Jesus in his final meal with his disciples.

In Matthew 26:1–75, we read the true story of Jesus’ “last supper” with his followers. Having much to teach us about worship, devotion, and liturgy, this story offers profiles of different people with varying degrees of devotion. The Jewish leaders plotted a violent scheme. The disciples faithfully and obediently prepared for the Passover meal. Judas participated in underhanded, greedy treachery. The disciples abandoned their Lord in the wake of fearful events. Peter naively asserted his devotion (only to miserably fail in the end). And a nameless woman displayed extravagant devotion to Christ in anointing him for burial. Jesus exemplified superlative faithfulness by following through on God’s divinely appointed (and prophesied) plan. This story asks us as Christians, families, and churches to evaluate our own devotion to our Lord.

In this study, the previous biblical stories about food, meals, and provision point to the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. This meal was not simply a final commemoration as Jesus bid farewell to his disciples. Rather, it was a specimen of corporate community life which Jesus would commend to his followers to practice in the ongoing generations. Said simply, this last supper Jesus shared with his disciples was not only a fulfillment of the earlier meals but also an anticipation of how the church would continue to celebrate its life together as a community of faith after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. While the meal itself is a focal point of the narrative (and should be a focal point of the life of the Christian church), the other events and happenings around this supper highlight key aspects of the church’s liturgical life. Liturgy involves the embodied corporate practices that the gathered church performs to practice together their life in Christ. Each of these elements—preparation, offering, meal, song, word, prayer, fellowship, testimony, confession, and witness—provides a formative way for the church to express its devotion to Christ.

As a prelude to Jesus’ crucifixion, the powerful narrative of the Last Supper offers us a poignant picture of devotion to Christ. Not all of the examples are commendable. In fact, we can often learn as much from failed examples as we can from model disciples. Nevertheless, the historic figures are not the main people under investigation. Our lives, our families, and our church communities are to be held up against these portraits and evaluated. As we come to learn the heart of devotion, we can rightly employ community practices that help the church express her faith in Christ. With bated breath, let us reenter the suspense of this compelling narrative to learn about the essence of Christian devotion, to discover cautions against our own fragility, and to explore how to embody and express our faith as a Christian church.

Biblical Interpretation: Hearing the Word

Study the Text: The Bible is God’s inspired word to his people. Christian disciples mature in the faith when they are grounded in God’s word. In this movement, you will study the basic details of the biblical text.

Observation Questions

Read (or listen to) the whole passage of Scripture. Discuss the questions below for each section of the story. Pay attention to the details of the text to recall what the passage is saying. Use the focus verses to guide your conversation.

Storycraft

Retell the story in your own words, recounting the overall flow of the narrative, the main segments of the story, and the major developments that take place.

Narrative Elements

Story Retell

Theological Dialogue: Discussing the Plot

Explore the Text: God’s word is his trustworthy and sufficient revelation to his people. We grow as Christ’s disciples by rooting our lives in God’s unchanging truth. In this movement, you will explore vital teachings of this biblical passage.

Discussion Questions

Summarize the biblical story. As a community, discuss the following questions. Be attentive to the truths taught in this text. Use the commentary on the next pages to uncover core principles this passage teaches about the Christian faith.

Biblical Commentary

Use this commentary to help you understand the meaning of the text. Refer to the infographic on the next page to think through how narratives work.

Passage Introduction

Key Idea

The Christian community expresses its devotion to Christ around the sacred meal of communion, a central gathering space around which other expressions of worship occur.

Passage Overview

Jesus’ final meal with his disciples provides a fantastic glimpse into the life of Christian devotion and worship. In this narrative, people respond to Jesus both treacherously and faithfully. The negative examples serve as warnings, as the positive examples serve as models. Of central importance is Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross: his suffering, death, and resurrection. Because Christ’s redemptive work is the defining event of all human history, each person’s response to Christ determines his eternal destiny. In order to prepare his disciples for these upcoming events and solidify the future importance of this event for the church, Jesus gathered with his disciples around a meal. Core elements of the meal—bread and cup—would represent Jesus’ saving actions on the cross. Preceding and following this meal, other acts of devotion were involved: offering, teaching, song, prayer, confession, and testimony. A disciple’s devotion to Christ is impacted and cultivated by his participation in such corporate practices. Read the following biblical exposition to help guide your understanding of this passage and its teaching on Christian devotion, worship, and communion.

Passage Outline

1. Matthew 26:1–19
2. Matthew 26:20–29
3. Matthew 26:30–35
4. Matthew 26:36–46
5. Matthew 26:47–56
6. Matthew 26:57–75

Building a Community of Common Faith

How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

This is the wondrous exchange made by his boundless goodness. Having become with us the Son of Man, he has made us with himself sons of God. By his own descent to the earth he has prepared our ascent to heaven. Having received our mortality, he has bestowed on us his immortality. Having undertaken our weakness, he has made us strong in his strength. Having submitted to our poverty, he has transferred to us his riches. Having taken upon himself the burden of unrighteousness with which we were oppressed, he has clothed us with his righteousness.

Introduction

The church’s gathered life offers moments for dynamic and formative expression of devotion to Christ. The church does not simply speak its devotion to Christ; it exhibits such devotion in its corporate actions. Jesus’ final meal with his disciples is foundational to understanding Christian devotion as a Christ-centered community. As we explored in this study, many meals that occur in Scripture foreshadow the Lord’s Supper. Following Jesus’ instructions, the church has adopted this meal into its community life to recall the gospel, remember God’s provisions, and rededicate itself to Jesus. This meal is centrally located in the biblical narrative and should also stand central in the life of the gathered church. Jesus invited his disciples (and invites us) to display their devotion through gathered worship around a meal. What he practiced with his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion is what he commends to the church of every generation and culture.

In Matthew 26:1–75, the Bible records Jesus’ final meal with his disciples. Before the meal, a woman displayed her affection for Jesus by anointing him with expensive perfume. The Jewish leaders and Judas colluded in Jesus’ arrest and betrayal. It was the time of Passover, and Jesus instructed his disciples to prepare for this holy day meal, intending to fellowship with his disciples before he went to the cross. During this meal, Jesus shared bread and cup with his disciples, explaining that the bread represented his body and the cup represented his blood of the New Covenant. That evening, Jesus also predicted that Judas would betray him and that Peter would deny him three times. After singing a hymn, Jesus and his disciples left the meal and went to a garden in Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed. True to Jesus’ word, Judas betrayed Jesus, leading an armed crowd to apprehend his teacher. Jesus was arrested and brought before the Jewish council, where he stood trial. During these events, Jesus’ other disciples abandoned him, along with his leading disciple, Peter, who denied Jesus three times.

In this narrative, we encounter various characters who display varying degrees of faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) to Christ. Jewish leaders plotted for Jesus’ death, and Judas joined their efforts in treachery against Christ. The disciples displayed obedience in their preparation of the Passover meal, only to later abandon Christ at the moment of his arrest and betrayal. Peter asserted his commitment to Christ in word, but later came to deny Jesus three times. Set apart from the rest is the extravagant anointing of Jesus by an unnamed woman who epitomized devotion to Christ. Even more, Christ’s own dedication to the divine plan prophesied in Scripture is put on display in unparalleled self-sacrifice and faithfulness. Embedded in this story about worship and devotion are key corporate practices (i.e., meal, blessing, song, word, prayer, confession, testimony, witness, etc.) that the gathered church uses to express and further develop its commitment to Christ.

Since this last supper was a precursor to Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection, it is fitting that Jesus’ final meal with his disciples centered on the proclamation of the gospel. In its very elements (bread and cup), it remembers Jesus’ passion, commemorates his sacrificial death, and basks in his resurrection victory. As a kerygmatic meal, it provides space for the collective church community to declare its allegiance to Christ. Knowing that our witness of the suffering and crucified Lord invites persecution and hardship into our own lives, the contemporary church continues to practice this meal with the understanding of its own call to self-denial and self-sacrifice. Genuine devotion to Christ amounts to a willingness to follow him even if it involves our death. May our study of this passage grow our commitment to Christ, cultivate the life of our church community, and prepare us for the suffering that lies ahead in being a faithful follower of Jesus.

Making Preparations: Evaluating Various Profiles of Devotion

Biblical Narrative (Matthew 26:1–19)

Having humbly arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey (21:1–11), Jesus confronted the religious establishment of the day (21:12–23:39). In an extended prophetic speech, Jesus foretold the destruction of the temple (24:1–2) and signs of the end of the age (24:3–25:46). After he “finished saying all these things” (26:1), Jesus predicted his death on the cross: “The Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified” (26:2). Recalling the story in Exodus 11–13, the Passover was an annual feast which celebrated Israel’s freedom from Egyptian bondage. Occurring in the first month of Israel’s calendar, it represented the new beginning God had given to his people through his redemptive work. It was followed by the seven-day celebration of Unleavened Bread, which commemorated God’s provision for his people in their hasty departure from slavery.

At this time, the Jewish religious leaders gathered to plot against Jesus (26:3–4). Their plan was underhanded and murderous: “They conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him” (26:4). Although the Jewish leaders represented religious authority, they harbored sinful intent and godless motivations. They sought to remove Jesus because they perceived him as a threat to their own religious position and power. Therefore, they wanted the plot to unfold “not during the feast” in order to prevent “a riot among the people” (26:5). True to Jesus’ word, preparations had been made for his death on the cross.

Just outside of Jerusalem, in the town of Bethany, Jesus was “in the home of Simon the Leper” (26:6). As Jesus was reclining at the table, the woman poured “an alabaster jar of expensive perfume” (26:7) on Jesus’ head. In this culture, the woman’s actions amounted to an amazing act of extravagance and boldness. Pouring costly ointment on Jesus’ head required sacrifice and devotion. For a woman to approach a male religious teacher like Jesus required courage and determination. So daring were the actions of this woman that they provoked a reaction from Jesus’ disciples. Rather than esteem the woman for devotion to Jesus, the disciples were “indignant” (26:8). The disciples considered her actions wasteful (26:8). They covered their unrighteous anger with a veil of piety, suggesting that the ointment “could have been sold at a high price, and the money given to the poor” (26:9).

Jesus was aware of their response and interjected. He came to the woman’s defense and celebrated her act of devotion. He told his disciples, “She has done a beautiful deed to Me” (26:10). Jesus explained that they would always have the poor with them, but Jesus would not be with them much longer (26:11). Knowing that his crucifixion was approaching, Jesus explained that the woman’s act of devotion was commensurate with preparing his body for burial (26:12). So exemplary were her actions that the testimony of her devotion would accompany the spread of the gospel throughout the world: “Wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her” (26:13). Her actions not only prepared Jesus for his crucifixion but her sacrificial act became a model of superlative devotion to Christ.

Jesus not only faced plots from the religious establishment of his day, but he also had a betrayer among his cadre of disciples: “Judas Iscariot” (26:14). Judas was “one of the Twelve” (26:14) and had gone to the Jewish religious leaders to broker a deal for him to betray his teacher. Judas asked the Jewish leaders to compensate him, and they “set out for him thirty pieces of silver” (26:15). This was a comparatively small sum of money, especially in light of the grave act of betrayal he was about to commit, only “thirty pieces of silver” (26:15). By colluding with Judas, the Jewish leaders had an insider within Jesus’ community who would help them bring their plot against Jesus to fruition (26:1–5). Judas agreed to this treacherous deal, and “from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus” (26:16).

It was nearly time for the Passover celebration. On the first day of Unleavened Bread, Jesus’ disciples asked where they would eat this Passover meal (26:17). They asked about the location so that they could make preparations for the meal. In response, Jesus instructed his disciples to go to the city and speak with a certain man. This person was unnamed in the biblical narrative, but his house would be the place where Jesus and his disciples would celebrate this Jewish holy day (26:18). The disciples did what Jesus said and prepared for the Passover meal (26:19).

Biblical Principles

Devotion and Undevotion. In this introduction to the passion narrative, the different characters depict various profiles of devotion (or undevotion) to Jesus. At the beginning of the scene, the Jewish leaders concocted a murderous plot against Christ (26:3–5). They were more concerned about ruckus among the people than reverence for Christ. Later, Judas enlisted himself in the service of these malicious Jewish leaders, selling himself to an act of betrayal for a small sum of money (26:14–16). When asked to make preparations for the Passover meal, the disciples acted obediently (26:17–19), and “did as Jesus had directed them” (26:19). Although the disciples’ devotion was initially subservient, they would later abandon their Lord in his moment of deep distress (cf. 26:56, 69–75). Even in this opening portion of the narrative, the disciples resisted the greatest act of devotion to Jesus in this story: the anointing of Jesus by the woman (26:8–9).

The extravagant act of affection and adoration by this unnamed woman (26:6–13) was a “beautiful deed” (26:10) of devotion to Christ. She is upheld as a model of faithfulness to Jesus. Her actions were a display of faith, preparing Jesus’ body for burial (26:12). In preparing Jesus’ body for burial, she was embracing his work on the cross as necessary and vital for salvation. She also displayed selfless sacrifice and love toward Jesus by pouring out expensive perfume on his head (26:7, 8–9). For this woman, no earthly treasure compared with the value and worth of Jesus. The fact that she boldly approached Jesus while he reclined at the table highlighted her conviction and commitment to Jesus (26:6–7). Neither cultural norm nor formal propriety kept her from expressing her allegiance and service to Christ. Her devotion was so exemplary that Jesus said it would accompany the gospel preached throughout the world. Her namelessness in the story (26:7) and universal testimony throughout the world (26:13) emphasize the humility required for a person to truly come to Christ.

The characters in this biblical narrative warn and instruct us, causing us to evaluate our devotion to Christ. These contrasting profiles penetrate our hearts, expose our immaturity, and propel us toward greater faith in Jesus. Certainly, this narrative is given to record the historical events that led to Jesus’ crucifixion. But it is also given as a rubric to help us appraise our relationship with Christ. We must be cautious of the duplicity of Judas and warned about the people-pleasing jealousy of the Jewish leaders. The disciples’ deference to Jesus is exemplary, but their misplaced indignance, superficial obedience, and ignorant fervor should cause us to be vigilant against personal ambition masked as Christian devotion. The unnamed woman invites us to a simple and bold faith that withholds nothing in our commitment to Jesus. Her example summons us to a spirit of humility, a lifestyle of self-denial, and unreserved affection for Jesus.

Sovereign and Earnest Preparations. The opening of this narrative records preliminary events before Jesus’ final meal with his disciples. Jesus’ extended prophetic speech had concluded (26:1), and it was a short time before the Passover meal (26:2, 5, 17). The approach of Passover meant that there was only a short time before Jesus’ crucifixion (26:2, 4, 12). Jesus knew that the time of his death was near (26:18). Therefore, he had his disciples make preparations for the Passover meal (26:17–19). Although Jesus delegated these preparations to his disciples, Jesus had already made preparations himself: a man was ready to lend his house for Jesus and his disciples to eat together (26:18). The preparations for the meal corresponded to the preparation of Jesus’ body for burial (26:12). In fact, the evil machinations of the Jewish leaders (26:3–5) and Judas’ betrayal (26:14–16) also served as preparations for Jesus’ death. God would even use the wicked schemes of evil men to bring about his redemptive purposes and prophetic promises (26:2). This narrative highlights God’s sovereign preparation in his work of salvation and invites us to make earnest preparation for a life of devotion to Christ.

Table Fellowship: Discovering the Central Importance of Sacred Meal

Biblical Narrative (Matthew 26:20–29)

With the preparations made, Jesus and his twelve disciples gathered and reclined at the table for the Passover meal (26:20). While they ate together, Jesus predicted that one of his disciples would betray him (26:21; cf. 26:14–16). This sorrowful and burdensome news caused the disciples to be “deeply greived” (26:22). It also sparked a conversation in which the disciples asked who the betrayer was (26:22). In a subtle yet dramatic moment, Jesus told them that his betrayer was the one who dipped his hand in the dish with Jesus (26:23). Nothing would stop Jesus from fulfilling his work as “the Son of Man” (26:24). The divine plan would be accomplished. But Jesus said about his betrayer, “It would be better for him if he had not been born” (26:24). Scriptural prophecy would be fulfilled in these last days of Jesus’ earthly life: prophecies about Jesus’ betrayal, suffering, and death. When Judas asked whether he was the betrayer, and Jesus replied, “You have said it yourself” (26:25). Judas was fully responsible for what he was about to do.

While the disciples ate together, Jesus took a time out of the meal to commemorate his pending crucifixion. For Jesus’ twelve disciples, this part of the meal vividly predicted Jesus’ death by crucifixion. For disciples afterward, the practice of this meal would serve as an ongoing memorial of the gospel. Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples (26:26). He told them, “Take and eat; this is My body” (26:26). After this, Jesus took a cup, offered thanks, and gave it to his disciples (26:27). He told them to drink the cup. Representing Jesus’ shed blood, the drink was the “blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (26:28). Jesus explained that he would not drink again like this until the final supper, when God’s future kingdom came to fruition (26:29).

Biblical Principles

Meal and Hospitality. As a whole, Jesus’ ministry was built around the practice of hospitality. Jesus’ commitment to hospitality extended in the last days of his life and ministry. Importantly, the sacred meal of communion that Jesus celebrated with his disciples occurred within a larger meal of fellowship and hospitality. The Last Supper was a meal within a meal. Jesus hosted his disciples in a time of table fellowship on this final night before his crucifixion (26:18–20). This meal was a time of intimate fellowship, communion, and sharing (26:23). In addition to being the host, Jesus announced that he was the meal: bread representing his body and drink representing his blood (26:26–28). The elements of the meal were basic but profoundly significant. They represented common elements that formed part of a person’s regular diet. But they also symbolized Jesus’ uncommon and extraordinary sacrifice on the cross. The hospitality of this meal in the upper room represents Jesus’ hospitality to receive all who are willing to receive him in faith. Therefore, inasmuch as Jesus was the host and the meal presented in this passage, he was also the common abode in which repentant sinners could find a refuge from divine judgment.

Last Supper and Lord’s Supper. After preparations had been made for the meal, Jesus and his disciples enjoyed a special and sacred meal together. In the context of a larger meal, Jesus hosted a smaller symbolic meal that signified his crucifixion as an atoning sacrifice for sin. This “meal within a meal” involved broken bread (26:26), a prayer of blessing (26:26), an expression of gratitude (26:27), a shared cup (26:28), and a future promise (26:29). Beyond mere sentimentality and nostalgic tradition, this meal would become a template for Christian gathering up to the present day. The pattern and flow of this meal would inform Paul’s later instructions for how Christians should practice this meal of communion in their churches (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). The Lord’s Supper, modeled after the Last Supper, is a ritual of thanksgiving, faith, and hope. It recalls God’s past works of redemption and stirs God’s people to humble appreciation for God’s gracious provision. Eating the bread and drinking the cup reinforces believers’ shared belief in Christ. It also looks forward to the future, to the day when Jesus will “drink [the cup] anew … in [his] Father’s kingdom” (26:29).

The fact that the disciples ate the bread and drank the cup made the meal more than a mere memorial of remembrance of Christ’s saving work on the cross. By imbibing these elements, they were aligning themselves to Jesus in affirmation of his lordship, dependence upon his atoning work, and participation in a life of suffering and hardship as they bear their own crosses as witnesses of Christ. Practiced by faithful Christians throughout the millennia, this sacred meal has nourished and sustained God’s people in the midst of hostile conditions. Partaking of this meal not only represented the culmination of God’s covenant promises (26:28), but it also cast a vision of the future work Jesus would accomplish at the end of time (26:29). This meal, practiced regularly and faithfully in the Christian community, would sustain and galvanize Christian devotion.

Good News of the Gospel. The central message of the Last Supper was Jesus’ crucifixion (26:24). The communion meal practiced by Christians is also a gospel-centered meal, proclaiming good news of salvation through Christ. The meal itself is a miniature rehearsal and communal reenactment of the gospel narrative. The announcement of Judas’ betrayal (26:20–25) reminds us of the fateful condition of sinful humanity. Born into this world as sinners, we all stand guilty before a holy God. The bread and cup represent Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross (26:26–29; cf. 26:12). His broken body and shed blood would make a sacrificial payment for sin so that sinners who come to believe in Christ can enjoy “the forgiveness of sins” (26:28). This is all a fulfillment of God’s promise to his covenant people (26:28). The Last Supper led by Jesus, and the Lord’s Supper practiced by Christians, is a proclamation of the good news of the gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26). Through word and deed, this meal announces that salvation and forgiveness is freely offered to all who feast on Jesus in humble faith and self-denying devotion.

For It Is Written: Giving Ourselves Faithfully to Song and Word

Biblical Narrative (Matthew 26:30–35)

After celebrating the Passover meal together, Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn and left for the Mount of Olives (26:30). Although Judas’ betrayal had already been predicted, Jesus told the rest of the disciples that they would also abandon him: “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me” (26:31). He quoted from Zechariah 13:7, “I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered” (26:31). The strike of the shepherd was a reference to Jesus’ suffering and eventual death. The scattering of the sheep alluded to the fearful flight of Jesus’ disciples, deserting him at the hour of his death. Even though Jesus (and his disciples) would undergo painful and troubling times in the next moments, Jesus prophesied that he would resurrect from the dead: “After I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee” (26:32). In response to these words, Peter protested. He emphatically declared that he would never fall away even if all others did. Jesus confronted Peter’s self-assured statement of loyalty: “This very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times” (26:34). Doubling down on his commitment to Jesus, Peter said that he would not deny Jesus, even if it meant his death (26:35). The rest of the disciples echoed this sentiment and voiced their agreement with Peter.

Biblical Principles

Song and Word. While the meal is central to the Christian community, it is not the only component of Christian practice that helps to cultivate the church’s devotion to Christ. A hospitable gathering of Christ followers is a fitting context for celebratory worship and biblical instruction. In this biblical narrative, Jesus and his followers sang a hymn before they departed (26:30). After singing, Jesus offered a brief instruction from the Scripture (26:31–34). He quoted an Old Testament text (26:31; cf. Zechariah 13:7) and made a contemporary application to the disciples’ situation (26:32, 34). His address targeted and touched the hearts and lives of his disciples (26:33–35). Devotion to Christ is reinforced when we have the chance, as a community of faith, to evaluate our lives in light of the word and to vocalize our faith and dependence in Christ with earnest song. Song and word (i.e., teaching, preaching, instruction, exhortation, exposition, etc.) are important practices of the church community. Such liturgical practices (i.e., corporate spiritual practices) allow the church to express, evaluate, and exhibit its devotion to Christ. In song, we give melodious voice to our devotion. Christians sing to express sorrow, announce truth, celebrate God, make petitions, offer praise, and encourage the saints. In word, we hold our lives up to the truth God’s revealed truth. We learn the right way to believe, live, and relate to one another. While the meal is central to the Christian gathering, it is not a generic form of hospitality. It is a covenantal meal that celebrates the redemptive work of Christ. Gospel-centered song and gospel-centered teaching, which occur around a gospel-centered meal, form Christ’s followers into a distinctively gospel-centered (kergymatic) community.

Testing and Suffering. Zechariah’s prophecy predicted Jesus’ crucifixion and the disciples’ desertion. At this time, the striking of the shepherd would cause the scattering of the sheep (26:31). Jesus warned that all his disciples would abandon him (26:31, 56). He also warned Peter that he would deny him three times (26:34). Although he was not able to fulfill his promise, Peter exclaimed that he was willing to die with Christ (26:35). This narrative teaches us that Christ calls to himself a people who are marked by suffering and hardship. The suffering Christ is the shepherd of suffering sheep, who will have their faith tested through trial and tribulation. As Peter warns us, the real test of one’s devotion is not bold words but faithful actions (26:35).

Keeping Watch: Arming Ourselves for the Battle with Prayer

Biblical Narrative (Matthew 26:36–46)

Jesus and his disciples eventually arrived in the garden at Gethsemane for a time of prayer. He told his disciples to sit while he went to pray (26:36). He took Peter, James, and John further. Knowing all that awaited him, Jesus “began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed” (26:37). Jesus told the three men about his great inner turmoil: “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death” (26:38). After instrucing his followers to “stay here” and “keep watch” (26:38), he went further by himself (26:39). Overcome by the weight of his sorrow, Jesus fell on his face and prayed to the Father: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (26:39).

When Jesus returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping (26:40). He exhorted them to “watch and pray” (26:41) that they would not fall into temptation. Watchfulness in prayer was vital because no one could resist temptation in his own strength: “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (26:41). Jesus went and prayed again in a similar way (26:42). Returning to his disciples, he once again found them asleep (26:43). While the disciples were overcome with weariness, Jesus returned to pray the same words a third time (26:44). When he returned to his disciples this final time, he told them that they could rest later on (26:45). Jesus explained that the time of his betrayal had come: “The hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners” (26:45). At that very moment, Judas approached Jesus with a large, armed crowd (26:46–47).

Biblical Principles

Watchful Prayer. In this powerful scene, we see Jesus model a life of prayer. Although Jesus retreated to pray to his Father, his prayer was in no way isolated. There certainly was a private dimension to Jesus’ prayer (26:36, 39, 42, 44), but he also invited his disciples to keep watch with him (26:38, 40–41). This shows the private and corporate aspects of prayer. Prayer is an important means by which the Christian community remains vigilant in its devotion to Christ (26:38, 40, 45). Vulnerable to temptations, tribulations, and trials, it is too easy for our once-expressed faith to become weak. If not tended to or nurtured, our faith can weaken under the pressure of Christ’s enemies. Disciples can resist sin through the power of vigilant prayer. Betrayal and suffering await Christ’s followers. Christ’s followers can prepare themselves to endure by watchful prayer. Our will contends against God’s will; prayer helps to bring us into submission. Prayer makes us alert to the enemy’s schemes and attuned to God’s sovereign plan. Through word and action, Jesus teaches us that the Christian community maintains its devotion to Christ by persistent and earnest prayer.

Steadfast Endurance. In Jesus’ prayer, it is significant that Jesus referred to his cross as a “cup” (26:39). During the Last Supper in the upper room, Jesus offered a “cup” for his disciples to drink (26:27). This cup represented the painful ordeal Christ would soon experience: betrayal, suffering, rejection, humiliation, crucifixion, and death. The prospect of this difficult future overwhelmed Jesus with sorrow (26:37–38). Despite the suffering and sorrow, Jesus fully submitted to his Father’s will. This prayer of submission—“not as I will, but as You will” (26:39)—should be the constant refrain of believers. The church can (and should) expect to face difficult ordeals. These hardships might tempt us to abandon God’s will for our lives. Nevertheless, girded with prayer and supported by the fellowship of the Christian community, we can face impossible odds and ominous enemies in the name and power of Christ. After all, faith in Christ makes us beneficiaries of divine promises: eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and communion with God. Regardless of our situation, our lives and future are secure. Vigilant prayer equips us to engage in God’s mission with steadfast endurance in the face of persecution, temptation, suffering, and hardship.

Crowd versus Community: Recovering the Solidarity of Faithful Fellowship

Biblical Narrative (Matthew 26:47–56)

As Jesus was speaking to his disciples in Gethsemane, Judas came to betray him. This unfaithful disciple was “one of the Twelve,” but he approached Jesus “accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs” (26:47). The intimate meal in the upper room would turn into a nighttime, garden betrayal. Judas had told his consorts that he would use the sign of a kiss to identify Jesus. Using this expression of friendship and affection, Judas approached Jesus, greeted him, and kissed him (26:48). Jesus said to Judas, “Friend … do what you came for” (26:50). Jesus was fully aware of Judas’ sinister plot to betray him.

When the men tried to arrest Jesus, one of Jesus’ disciples took out his sword and cut off the ear of the servant to the high priest (26:51). Jesus told his disciple to put his sword away, explaining that “all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (26:52). There was no need to defend Jesus. At any moment, Jesus could ask the Father to send legions of angels to come to his aid (26:53). In reality, the armed crowd was no match for him. Jesus voluntarily gave himself over to the authorities because he knew that his death on the cross was part of the divine plan revealed in Scripture (26:54, 56). While the crowd came to arrest him as a criminal, Jesus was entirely innocent; his arrest and crucifixion would fulfill prophecies of old (26:55–56). With Jesus taken into custody, the rest of his disciples fled (26:56).

Biblical Principles

Affection, Friendship, and Fellowship. In this next scene, we witness Jesus’ betrayal by one of his disciples. Rather than providing a positive example of Christian community, this scene shows failed devotion, fractured relationship, and broken friendship. Instead of enjoying fellowship with his beloved community of disciples, Jesus encountered an armed crowd that approached him with ill purpose (26:47). For much of his ministry, large crowds followed Jesus with interest, intrigue, and hope. Now, a large crowd facilitated his arrest. With sad irony, Judas offered Jesus a kiss—a usual sign of intimacy and friendship—as a sign of betrayal (26:48–49). Even though Judas called Jesus “Rabbi,” he had no intent to follow him as a teacher (26:49). Jesus still called Judas “friend” despite Judas’ treacherous act of betrayal (26:50). Nevertheless, even Jesus’ closest disciples would soon abandon him (26:56). This scene shows the unraveling of Christian community in order to highlight the importance of genuine affection, true friendship, and sincere fellowship in the Lord.

Our devotion to Christ is expressed and encouraged in a community of Christ-centered relationships. Our communion with God is connected with our fellowship with other believers. In contrast to the failed fellowship and non-communion in this biblical scene, the church grows in its devotion to Christ through meaningful and earnest fellowship with one another. The faithful practice of true friendship, a sincere commitment to Jesus, and a collective endurance through hardship and opposition are signs and marks of a godly community. We grow in Christian commitment when we harness the power of authentic community life. Such a community undergirds us when we face trials, corrects us when we err, cautions us against misplaced passion, and keeps us focused on Christ. Together, the church’s fellowship—her internal life with one another—is a powerful witness to the wider world.

Prophetic Fulfillment. Jesus’ betrayal was a fulfillment of Scripture (26:54, 56). Jesus voluntarily submitted his life to God’s revealed word (26:53) and confronted a worldly philosophy that would live by human might (26:52). He knew that he was innocent of wrongdoing (26:55). Jesus confidently sacrificed his life because he knew that his crucifixion was a part of God’s sovereign plan. Modeled by Jesus in this narrative, the Christian community is defined by its submission to God’s revealed word. In God’s word are promises that comfort, commands that direct, cautions that warn, and truths that summon faith. A life and community aligned to God’s inspired word becomes a powerful witness in the world by living out its faith and devotion to Christ.

Giving Testimony: Bearing Witness to Christ in Public Confession

Biblical Narrative (Matthew 26:57–75)

After his arrest, Jesus was brought to the high priest, Caiaphas, and a gathering of religious leaders, where he was put on trial (26:57). Peter followed Jesus but kept his distance. He ended up sitting with the guards to see what would take place (26:58). The Jewish leaders were looking for “false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death” (26:59). Many false witnesses accused Jesus (26:60), but nothing was said that incriminated him. Eventually, two people came forward, recalling that Jesus said he was “able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days” (26:61). In this statement, Jesus was referring to his body and not the physical building of the Jewish temple. Nevertheless, Jesus “remained silent” (26:63) when asked to defend himself against the accusation (26:62). Then the high priest ordered Jesus to clarify his identity: “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God” (26:63). Jesus answered the question with the simple and direct reply, “You have said it yourself” (26:64). He then alluded to a messianic prophecy, associating himself with “the Son of Man” (26:64). With this claim, the high priest tore his robe and accused Jesus of blasphemy (26:65). After sentencing Jesus to death (26:66), the Jewish religious leaders spat in his face, struck him, slapped him, and mocked him (26:67–68).

At this time, Peter was in the courtyard when he was approached by a servant girl who accused him of being with Jesus (26:69). Peter denied her claim (26:70). Then, another servant girl said that Peter had been with Jesus (26:71). Once again, Peter denied it, this time giving an oath (26:72). A little later, some bystanders claimed (because of his accent) that Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples (26:73). This time Peter brought a curse upon himself and swore that he did not know Jesus (26:74). At this point, Peter remembered Jesus’ prophecy that he would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed (26:75; cf. 26:34). Troubled in deep remorse, Peter “went outside and wept bitterly” (26:75).

Biblical Principles

Confession and Witness of Jesus’ Identity. This section of the story highlights Jesus’ identity. The narrative confronts those who misunderstand Jesus or fail to confess him publicly. Jesus stood trial before a hostile Jewish council (26:57–67). During his interrogation, he faced false testimony (26:59–60), murderous intent (26:59), accusations of blasphemy (26:60–61, 65–66), charged questioning (26:62–63), and humiliating disdain (26:67–68). The accusations were unjust, the witnesses were false, and the motivations were wicked. Jesus was actually accused for something true: Jesus truly is the Son of God (26:63), the Christ (26:63, 68), and the Son of Man (26:64). Jesus remained silent about the accusation concerning the temple (26:63), but he affirms his identity before the Jewish leaders (26:64). Ironically, when the people humiliated Jesus—spitting, slapping, and ridiculing—they made a statement about him that was true: “Prophesy to us, Christ” (26:68). What they said in mockery was true about Jesus in reality. Peter did not fare much better. When confronted three times (twice by servant girls and once by bystanders), he did not bear witness to Christ (26:69–75). In this story, Jesus is the only one who bears witness correctly as to his identity (26:64).

While Jesus stood trial before the Jewish council, it was really everyone else (including the contemporary readers of this story) who were on trial. The way we respond to Jesus and his claims is the most defining thing about us. What we confess about Jesus determines our future fate and well-being. We will all be judged by God based on whether we accepted or rejected Jesus as he truly is. Even today, people harbor false testimony, empty accusations, hostile intent, and harsh ridicule against Jesus. Underlying the rejection of Jesus is a denial of his identity. On the contrary, the church is marked by its bold and unashamed confession of Christ. Peter is a foil of this faith-filled conviction. He believed accurately in Jesus and voiced his undying commitment to him (26:33, 35). But when his life was on the line, he cowered in fear and denied Jesus (26:69–75). Jesus’ true disciples bear testimony of Christ regardless of the repercussions. Peter’s failure to bear witness to Christ amounts to an appeal for God’s people to do the opposite: to confess Christ with a self-denying and self-sacrificing devotion. Allegiance to Christ is risky but rewarding. The comfort of the Christian community should stoke the flames of Christian witness in the public world as a pinnacle of faith devotion.

Liturgical Elements. On the surface, this narrative records the historical events that took place prior to Jesus’ crucifixion. The narrative also records these events in a way that helps believers understand the nature of Christian devotion and community. In a very basic way, the events of this narrative can also serve as a blueprint for elements of a Christian gathering. Through positive and negative examples, some of the elements that show up in this passage are as follows: preparation (26:1–2, 17–19), offering (26:14–16), meal (26:20–29), song (26:30), teaching (26:31–35), prayer (26:36–46), fellowship (26:47–56), confession (26:57–68), and public witness (26:69–75). This does not present a strict “order of worship” for Christian communities to follow, but these final moments before Jesus’ crucifixion do offer a general sketch of how the gathered church can practice its life and faith in formative ways.

Conclusion

Jesus has given the church various spiritual practices by which we grow in our devotion to Christ as a Christian community. In this story, the different people and events display various levels of devotion to Christ. The Jews represented hostile enemies to Christ. Judas was a fateful traitor. The disciples oscillated between faithful adherence and fearful abandonment. Peter spoke boldly of his faithfulness but failed to bear public witness to Christ. The unnamed woman embodied extravagant devotion by anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. Above all, Jesus displayed perfect faithfulness by following God’s divine plan for him to go to the cross. At the center of these stories of devotion was a final meal Jesus enjoyed with his disciples. This meal of bread and cup was meant to commemorate Jesus’ saving work on the cross. Alongside this meal, other corporate practices for the Christian community are represented: offering, word, song, prayer, testimony, confession, and witness. Devotion to Christ, cultivated by collective spiritual practices in the church’s gathered life, is one of the ways the Christian church bears witness to Christ to the watching world.

Jesus’ meal with his disciples is a focal point of this narrative. It has an individual and corporate appeal. The scheming Jews, duplicitous Judas, and wavering Peter all warn us about the consequences of denying Jesus. Jesus’ central importance to this narrative urges us to make him central in our lives. Additionally, this narrative calls on churches to form their communities around the person and work of Christ. This is why the Lord’s Supper is such an important community practice. Communion gives a vivid and viable means to remember Jesus’ saving work, deepen our faith in the gospel, and prepare us to make bold and public witness of Christ to the surrounding world. In communion, we train ourselves to live in a way that gives God the glory due his name.

Session Synopsis

SESSION 11 SYNOPSIS
Supper	In this passage, we learn about the Lord’s Supper. Toward the end of his earthly life and ministry, the Jews plotted to kill Jesus. One of Jesus’ disciples, Judas, conspired with these Jewish leaders to betray his teacher. This all took place around the time of the Passover celebration. Jesus told his disciples to make preparations for the meal in the upper room of a person’s home. As this evening unfolded, Jesus predicted that Judas would betray him and warned Peter that he would deny him three times. During the meal, Jesus gave his disciples bread and drink to represent his crucified body and his shed blood on the cross. After singing a hymn, they went to the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent time in prayer. There, Judas brought an armed crowd to arrest Jesus. Jesus stood trial before the Jewish council, which challenged his identity and sought false testimony to charge him with a death sentence. During this trial, Peter denied Jesus three times. This passage provides the precedent for the Lord’s Supper and highlights various community practices involved in a Christian community devoted to the Lord. A summary of this story’s principles is outlined below.
Devotion	In this narrative, Jesus is treated in a variety of ways. The Jews represent those who conspired against Jesus, trying to protect their own position and power (26:3–5). Judas warns us about the danger of betrayal (26:14–16, 20–25). The disciples obey Jesus in making Passover preparations (26:17–19), but also warn us about a wavering faith (26:31–35, 69–75). The unnamed woman set an example of faithful devotion to Christ (26:8–9).
Suffering, Endurance, and Resisting Temptation	Devotion to Christ involves submission to God’s will (26:39), endurance through suffering (26:31, 37–39, 42), and resisting temptation (26:40–41).
Good News of the Gospel	The central teaching of Christianity and the church gathering is the good news of the gospel _(_26:12, 24–29, 26–29, 31–32, 64). This message announces salvation and the forgiveness of sins by faith in Christ. This message proclaims Jesus’ identity: the Son of God (26:63), the Christ (26:63, 68), and the Son of Man (26:45, 64). It also tells of Jesus’ work: his betrayal (26:14–16, 20–25, 47–56), death (26:4, 12, 26–29, 31, 66), resurrection (26:32), and future return (26:29, 64). The gospel is a fulfillment of God’s sovereign plan of redemption recorded in Scripture (26:54, 56).
Hospitality and the Lord’s Supper	Jesus practiced hospitality in his life and ministry (26:17–19). The sacred meal of communion took place in the larger context of a meal. Jesus had this meal of communion with his disciples on his final night with them (26:1–3, 17–30). It became a pattern for Christians to practice in all future generations. The broken bread represents Jesus’ crucified body; the cup represents Jesus’ shed blood (26:26–29). It is a meal of faith, gratitude, and hope.
Liturgy	This narrative highlights many other spiritual practices that help a community of faith become strong in its faith: preparation (26:1–2, 17–19), offering (26:14–16), meal (26:20–29), song (26:30), teaching (26:31–35), prayer (26:36–46), fellowship (26:23, 47–56), confession (26:57–68), and public witness (26:69–75).

Personal Reflection: Entering the Story

Apply the Text: The word of God is binding and authoritative, the only reliable guide for faith and godliness. True disciples submit themselves to God’s word. In this movement, you will apply God’s word to your lives.

Reflection Questions

Encourage one person to share a testimony about how this story has impacted them so far. Use the reflection questions to examine your life in light of this biblical passage.

Spiritual Practice

Ministry Practice: Rehearsing the Script

Minister the Text: God’s word is living and active. Through God’s word, the Christian community is edified. In this movement, you will utilize the biblical passage to minister to other believers and build them up in their faith.

Application Questions

Look at the infographic below. Use the questions to think about how to minister this text to other believers.

Missional Outreach: Publicizing the Truth

Witness the Text: The Bible is a message of God’s gracious salvation to the world. In word and deed, God’s people proclaim the good news of the gospel. In this movement, you will use this biblical passage to reach out to unbelievers.

Strategy Questions

Reflect on the infographic below. Consider how you can use this passage to witness to the surrounding world. Use the suggested ideas to prime your imagination. Then, put together a plan to share this passage with unbelievers, Afterward, reflect on this mission experience.