Mark 14:17-26

The Last Supper

( Easter Story )

18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."

19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"

20 "It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me.

21 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."

22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."

23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.

24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.

25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."

26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

The Last Supper of Christ

Communion

We have this communion service periodically at our church. We take the small piece of bread (or cracker) and drink the grape juice, sometimes with our minds on other matters. This study lesson and reading of the Scripture shows what Jesus knew would happen on that night of the feast.

Judgment

Oh how easy it is for us to judge others. We can read this passage of Scripture and condemn Judas for betraying Christ. With good reason too - it was a terrible thing to do.

Do We Ever Deny Christ?

But, let us examine our own lives. It is equally as much of a denial of Jesus when we profess to be Christians and then live our lives no different than people who do not profess the faith. We deny Christ when our actions are different from what we say we believe.

If we proclaim that we follow the commandments of Christ by loving God with all our hearts and all our strength and all our minds and, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and then do something to harm our neighbor, spouse, friend, family, fellow Christians, we are denying Christ just as Judas did.

Examination

As Easter approaches, let's take a second look at our lives through the eyes of others and ask, "Are my daily actions (not what we do on Sunday) glorifying God - or am I denying Him the glory He deserves?"

Love in Christ

- Bob

Mark 14:1-2 - Religious Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus