Holy Thursday
Thursday and the Last Supper of Jesus
The event of Holy Thursday, as described in the Bible, highlights important moments from the final days of Jesus, when he shared the Last Supper with his disciples and foretold the suffering that was to come.
The Plot Against Jesus
Jesus told his disciples that after two days the Passover would take place, and the Son of Man would be handed over to be crucified. Meanwhile, the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of Caiaphas and plotted to arrest Jesus secretly and put him to death. However, they said it should not be done during the festival, lest there be unrest among the people.
Anointing at Bethany
While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an expensive perfume and poured it on his head while he was reclining at the table. This act symbolized his consecration and sacrifice, and it also served as a lesson to the disciples about the greatness of his sacrifice.
Preparation for the Passover
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples asked Jesus where they should prepare the Passover meal. Jesus instructed them to go into the city to a certain man’s house and said that he would celebrate the Passover there with his disciples. The disciples did as Jesus had directed and prepared the meal.
The Last Supper and the Covenant
In the evening, Jesus sat down with his twelve disciples to eat. During the meal, he said that one of them would betray him. The disciples were deeply distressed, and each one began to ask, “Is it I?” Jesus replied that the one who dips his hand into the bowl with him would betray him.
Jesus took bread, blessed it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and said, “This is my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” He also said that he would not drink again from the fruit of the vine until he drinks it anew in his Father’s kingdom.
Prediction of Peter’s Denial
After the meal, Jesus and his disciples went to a place called Gethsemane. There, Jesus said to them, “All of you will fall away because of me this night. For it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away because of you, I never will.”
Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
Peter declared, “Even if I must die with you, I will never deny you.” And all the other disciples said the same.
The Washing of the Feet
After the meal, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, giving them a profound lesson. This act demonstrated humility, service, and love. Jesus taught that whoever wants to be great must become the servant of all. The washing of feet was not only a physical act of service but also a spiritual teaching that true leadership and greatness are found in serving others.
