How do you feel when people ignore what you say? It happened to Jesus during his last meal. Jesus lovingly gave Judas a solemn warning that it was better not to be born than to betray the Son of Man (v 24). Judas took no notice. Jesus predicted that the disciples would all desert him that night (v 31). They contradicted him. Jesus said that Peter would disown him (vs 33–35).  ‘Never,’ said Peter. But Jesus was right. They all failed him, as disciples tend to do without the help of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). Even when Jesus spoke encouragingly of his resurrection (v 32) and the heavenly banquet (v 29), they seemed to ignore these words too.  

By contrast, the annual Passover meal spoke of God’s faithfulness. It reminded the people of the Lord’s covenant: that he was their God, and they were his people. Jesus now tells his disciples that God’s covenant specifically includes ‘the forgiveness of sins’ – how wonderful to hear those words from the lips of Jesus (v 28)! Most covenants were made with an animal sacrifice. So, imagine the shock when Jesus spoke of ‘my blood’ of the covenant. Jesus himself was its sacrificial lamb. The bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper make real to us his body broken and his blood shed for us. Such is his faithfulness to us. 

Thank you, Lord, for showing us how we should pray and celebrate your love for us. May your Holy Spirit lead me in deeper worship today. 

Jesus’ actions are often full of symbolic meaning. His entry into Jerusalem showed him as Servant King, to be received with welcome. This meal is similar. The Passover feast was a celebration of the Jews’ deliverance from captivity. The blood of the sacrificial lamb placed on their doorposts would ensure their safety as the angel of death passed over. Now, through his words to his disciples, Jesus identified himself with the Passover lamb. It’s his body, his blood that will bring safety and deliverance. In sealing the new covenant with God, Jesus discloses himself as Saviour from sin. Like his disciples, we receive Christ’s body in faith, symbolically, in communion. 

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus needed to warn the disciples about what lay ahead. It must have been very uncomfortable to hear his prediction that they would not stay the course. After the meal and joyful singing, Peter’s confidence was strong. He would never desert Jesus! Jesus knew better, however, and his prophetic word, offering the details of Peter’s denial, probably stayed with that disciple for ever. 

Jesus’ compassionate attitude towards the disciples is extended to us. He knew that they would desert him, but didn’t reproach them. Even when Peter contradicted him, Jesus didn’t respond with contempt. He simply described the outcome with clear accuracy. Jesus knows that our weaknesses will lead us to sin. Peter thought his love for Christ and his faith in him were strong enough to withstand anything. He was wrong. We can easily be self-assured about our own discipleship. Yet, like Peter, we are only safe when we replace confidence in our own strength and ability with the humility of depending only on God. 

What are the areas of weakness in your life where you need more dependency on God? Pray now that God will increase your trust in him.