The Last Supper

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

LUKE 22:19

JESUS WASN’T A TYPICAL KING. When we think of kings and holy people, we usually think of riches and fancy clothes and servants. But that’s why Jesus was so different. He came from a humble family, and he was a servant-king. He told his disciples that he was leaving them an example to follow—to serve and love one another.

Before Jesus was betrayed by Judas, he had what’s called the Last Supper with his disciples. He used this time to eat with them and prepare them for what was coming. He also used this time to give them an important illustration about who he is. They shared bread, which Jesus called his broken body. They drank wine, which Jesus called his blood. And Jesus washed their feet as if he were a servant.

Think about that. Can you imagine washing your brother’s or sister’s feet? Or a friend’s? It would be a pretty stinky job. But these men’s feet were filthy . . . they walked barefoot or in sandals and didn’t bathe very often. So Jesus, God’s Son, took their feet in his hands and washed them. He said he was leaving an example. “Do as I have done to you,” he says in John 13:15. Even when Jesus was about to leave the earth, he was still teaching, sharing, and serving.

DO

Find a friend or family member and wash that person’s feet. Do a good job. Use warm water and a soft towel. Imagine you are washing Jesus’ feet as you work. You can tell the person you’re following Jesus’ example of serving someone you love. If the person is willing, pray together.

PRAY

Dear God,

Thank you for sending Jesus as a servant-king. Thank you for showing us what it means to love and serve one another. Remind me every day how I can follow Jesus’ example. Amen.

READ

Matthew 26:26-29; John 13:1-9