The Last Supper
The are, left to right -
Bartholomew
James Minor
Andrew
Peter (also called Simon Peter)
Judas Iscariot
John / Mary
Jesus
Thomas
James Major
Philip
Matthew
Thaddeus
Simon the Canaanite (also Simon the Zealot)
1. Note that Andrew has his hands straight up in alarm - is it because of Jesus'
announcement, or is it because of the knife being pointed at him?
2. Peter is holding a knife in his hands. Later in the story, when the guards come for Jesus,
Peter defends Jesus with that knife.
3. Thomas is pointing up at the sky - what is he trying to say?
4. Most importantly, Judas Iscariot is holding a small bag in his right hand. This is the bag
with the 30 pieces of silver in it. In the actual timeline he doesn't get this until later, but
Leonardo is making an obvious point that this is Judas, and he is the cause of all the
trouble about to follow. Judas' other hand is reaching towards the plate, which is part of
what Jesus says - that whoever dips his hand in his plate is the betrayer.
5. In fact, you can't see it now, but other early copies of this painting show that originally
there was also a spilled salt container near Judas. In old traditions, that was a sign of
broken trust. So Leonardo made triply sure that everybody who saw the painting knew
which one was Judas.
6. As far as historical records, the writings say "He [Jesus] sat down with the 12". So we
know that the 12 apostles were at the table with Jesus. In fact the apostles were led to the
dinner location in an odd manner. They went into town and looked for a male water
carrier. In those days, females did all the fetching of water, so a male water carrier stood
out quite plainly. The apostles then followed this male to the location of the dinner.
7. Writings say that Mary was also there - she washes his feet and does other duties. It's not
said that she sat at the table, though. I believe that two other men were also in the house,
at least. One is Matthias - the trusted man who took Judas' spot in the 12 once Judas was
dead. The other man was Paul, who becomes an apostle later because Jesus appears to
him after the resurrection.
The following is a list of Bible Truths in Matthew 26:20-29; Mark 14:17-25; Luke 22:14-23, the
story of the last supper.
1. Jesus gave thanks to God before eating a meal. Matthew 26:26.
2. Jesus died so that the sins of mankind would be forgiven. Matthew 26:28.
3. Followers of Jesus will celebrate with Jesus again in God's kingdom. Matthew 26:29.
4. Jesus' death authorized a new covenant between God and his people. Luke 22:20.
5. Jesus told his followers to eat bread together as a way to remember his death and what he
did for them. Luke 22:19.
Lets understanding the story.
Jesus and his disciples reclined at the table during the meal (Luke 22:14), dipping their bread
into the bowl (Mark 14:20).
The following activities can be used to teach the Bible story and truths.
Bible Story Activities.
Recreate the Last Supper.
Read the Punishment Sharing Agreement and ask if anyone wants to sign up. Explain that
Jesus took the punishment for all of our sins when he died on the cross.
Read Luke 22:14-19. Pass around the unleavened bread and discuss the following.
When we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we should think about Jesus dying on the cross.
Remember that he died on the cross only after he was flogged with a whip (Matthew
27:26), made to wear a crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29), spit on (Matthew 27:30) and
beaten with a wooden cane (Matthew 27:30).
Jesus died on the cross voluntarily.
Jesus died on the cross so that our sins would be forgiven.
Read Luke 22:20. Pass around the grape juice and discuss the following.
Jesus' death authorized a new covenant God made with his people.
In this new covenant God promises to forgive our sins and give us eternal life. All we
have to do is turn from sin to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. (Romans 10:9;
Hebrews 8-10).
When we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we should remember to thank Jesus for the gift of
eternal life that he made available to us when he died on the cross.
Only those who turn to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior should participate in the Lord's
Supper since the Lord's Supper is celebrated in memory of what Jesus did for us. A person
who has not trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior has nothing to remember.
Luke 22:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I
suffer:
16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall
come.
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my
body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which
is shed for you.
21 ¶But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22. And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is
betrayed!
29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve
tribes of Israel.
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift
you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy
brethren.
33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
