Bible Essentials

Matthew 26:17-20

The Last Supper

Opening

• Share life updates
• Review highs and lows of the week
• Share prayer requests and praises

Icebreaker

• If you had to pick your last meal on earth, what would you choose? Who would you eat it with? Why?

Matthew 26:17-30

• Read the passage
• What is the context for this passage?
• Jesus has recently entered Jerusalem to the praises of all the people: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
• Jesus has spent the last several days teaching the people and condemning the teachers of the law and Pharisees.

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Matthew 26:17-30

• Read the passage again, in a different version if available.
• Summarize the passage in your own words.

What does the passage say about God?

• Jesus participates in the festivals from the Old Testament.
• Jesus knew his plan for the Passover meal.
• Jesus has foreknowledge about events.
• Jesus knew Scriptures/prophecy.
• Jesus has the power to forgive sins.

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What does the passage say about people?

• The disciples also participate in the festivals from the Old Testament.
• The disciples depended on Jesus for instructions.
• The disciples were obedient to Jesus.

What does the passage say about people?

• The disciples were sad at the thought of betraying Jesus.
• Judas pretends he’s not the betrayer.
• The disciples and all of us are the beneficiaries of Jesus’ death on the cross.

What does the passage say about God’s plan?

• God’s plan was for Judas to betray Jesus to set in motion Jesus’ death.
• God’s plan was for Jesus to die for our sins.

Discussion

• How does the passage fit into the overarching story of the Bible?
• This story shows Jesus preparing for his death. Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins is the purpose of the story of the Bible.
• This story gives us the precedent for celebrating communion as believers.

Discussion

• What else strikes you about this passage?
• How does the passage affect how you view God? How you view yourself?
• How does this passage affect how you will live your life?