The Last Supper: Jesus Shares a New Promise
(Matthew 26:17-30)
It was the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread. This was a very special time for God's people, the Israelites. They remembered how God had rescued their ancestors from slavery in Egypt long ago. During this festival, they would eat a special meal called the Passover meal.
Jesus' disciples came to him with an important question. "Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you to eat?" they asked. Jesus gave them clear instructions. He told them to go into the city of Jerusalem and find a certain man. They were to tell him, "The Teacher says, 'My time is near. I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'" The disciples did exactly as Jesus said, and they got everything ready for the Passover meal.
When evening came, Jesus sat down to eat with his twelve disciples. As they were eating, Jesus said something that shocked them all. "The truth is, one of you here will hand me over to my enemies." The disciples were very sad. One by one, they asked Jesus, "Lord, surely it is not I, am I?" Jesus answered, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Then Judas, the very one who would betray Jesus, also asked, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Jesus replied, "You have said it yourself."
As they continued eating, Jesus did something amazing. He took some bread and gave thanks to God. Then he broke the bread into pieces and gave it to his disciples. He said, "Take and eat. This is my body." Then Jesus took a cup of wine and gave thanks for it. He handed it to them and said, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many. I tell you, I will not drink wine with you again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
Jesus was showing his disciples that he would soon die on the cross. The bread stood for his body, which would be broken. The wine stood for his blood, which would be poured out. He was making a new covenant, a new promise between God and his people. Through his death, their sins would be forgiven.
After they had sung a hymn together, they went out to the Mount of Olives. It was a quiet place where Jesus often went to pray. The disciples didn't fully understand everything that was about to happen. But Jesus knew his mission was almost complete. He was ready to do his Father's will and give his life as a sacrifice for the whole world. This meal, the Last Supper, was a special moment where Jesus gave his friends a new way to remember him and all he would do for them.
A Curious Question
Why do you think Jesus chose the Passover meal, a celebration of God's rescue from Egypt, to share this new promise of forgiveness?
Old Testament Connection
The Passover meal was a reminder of God's mighty rescue. In Exodus, God told the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the angel of death would pass over their homes. This was a picture of salvation. When Jesus celebrated the Last Supper, he was connecting that ancient rescue to a new and even greater rescue. He was the perfect Passover Lamb who would shed his blood to save us from sin and death. Jesus also spoke about a new covenant, which was promised by the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31). This new covenant would not be written on stone tablets but on people's hearts, through God's Spirit. The Old Testament sacrifice system pointed forward to Jesus, the final and perfect sacrifice.
Discussion Questions
- Why was the Passover meal an important time for God's people, and why did Jesus choose that meal to share something new?
- What do the bread and wine represent in the Last Supper, and how do they help us understand what Jesus did for us?
- Judas was with Jesus at the table, even though he planned to betray him. What does this show us about Jesus and his love for people?
So What? What Can I Do?
- When you take part in communion or a church meal, how can you remember what Jesus did for you on the cross?
- Jesus gave his followers a way to remember him and be thankful. What are some ways you can remember and thank Jesus for his love this week?
- Jesus knew he was going to suffer, but he still showed love to his friends. Think of a time it might be hard to be kind. How can you show love like Jesus did, even when things are tough?
Memorize God's Word
Matthew 26:28 - "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
• This is hold up your open hands in front of you like you are presenting a gift.
my blood point to your own chest with both hands.
of the new covenant clasp your hands together to show a promise or agreement.
which is poured out tilt your hands like you are pouring something out.
for many spread your arms wide to show many people.
for the forgiveness of sins put your hands together as if praying and then open them wide to show freedom.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, we thank you for sending Jesus to be our Savior. Thank you that his blood was poured out to forgive our sins. Help us to remember his great love for us every day. Teach us to trust in your new covenant and to share your love with others. In Jesus' name, amen.
Craft or Activity
Communion Cup and Bread Reminder Craft
How to Make the Communion Cup and Bread Reminder Craft:
- Cut a small cup shape out of the red construction paper to represent Jesus' blood.
- Cut a small circle or cracker shape out of the brown construction paper to represent Jesus' body.
- Glue the cup and bread shapes onto a larger piece of construction paper as a base.
- Write the memory verse from Matthew 26:28 on a strip of paper and glue it beneath the cup and bread.
- Decorate your craft with markers, adding a cross or a simple design.
- Use this craft at home to remember Jesus' love and the new promise he made at the Last Supper.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For Younger Children: Keep the story focused on the simple actions of Jesus with the bread and cup. Use visual aids like a picture of a Passover meal and a simple cross to help them connect the elements.
Prep Shortcut: Print out a simple picture of a cup and bread for younger children to color and cut out. This saves time on drawing and allows them to focus on the meaning.
Classroom Management: During the discussion, have the children act out the motions from the memory verse to keep them engaged. Use a calm voice when talking about the seriousness of Jesus' sacrifice.
For Older Kids: Challenge them to look up Jeremiah 31:31 and discuss how the "new covenant" was promised long ago. Encourage them to write down one way they can remember Jesus' sacrifice in their own lives this week.