Slices
Prepare
Think about times of intimacy and friendship you have shared with others over a meal. Try to imagine the scene, the conversation and the fellowship as Jesus and his disciples gather to share the Passover meal.
Bible passage
The Last Supper
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?’
18 He replied, ‘Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, “The Teacher says: my appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.”’ 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?’
23 Jesus replied, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.’
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?’
Jesus answered, ‘You have said so.’
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Explore
The Passover was one of the major feasts for the Jewish people, a time to get together and remember the amazing deliverance of their ancestors from slavery in Egypt. In a startling way it prefigured the deliverance that Jesus would bring through his death on the cross.
Celebration turns to sadness, however, as Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will soon betray him (v 21). This causes much heart-searching, but Judas vehemently denies it is him, adding to his wrongdoing (v 22). Amazingly, he is still welcome to share in the meal, such is the grace shown towards him.
The climax of the evening comes in a simple moment of ceremony (vs 26–29), as Jesus breaks bread (representing his body, which will be broken on the cross) and shares the cup (representing his blood that will be shed to bring about forgiveness). This is the truth we remember whenever we share Communion together – the offering of his life, that we may know forgiveness and be reconciled to God.
Respond
Why do you think this simple ceremony is so important for believers? What place does it have in your Christian life, and how is it expressed in your church? It may be helpful to read the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Deuteronomy 19,20; Romans 4
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that the children who this Easter will receive a copy of Jesus Died for Me? or the Welsh edition: Bu Farw Iesu Drosof Fi? will understand why Jesus died and the difference it can make to them. Pray that those who give out the copies will continue to journey with the children as they explore faith.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
