As the Passover was approaching, the religious leaders were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus. Judas was one of the Twelve, but he became a betrayer of his master for money. Luke says that Satan entered him. That's what happened when Judas didn't accept Jesus' love and word to the end. Now he watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to the enemies.

Jesus sent Peter and John to go into the city to prepare the Passover. It would be the Last Supper with his disciples before his arrest. Jesus wanted to teach them the meaning of his death and plant hope in the kingdom of God. During the Passover meal Jesus broke the bread and gave it to his disciples saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Then he gave them the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." The bread and the cup represent Jesus' broken body and his shed blood on the cross. God's promise to forgive our sins was sealed by Jesus' death on the cross. If we repent and accept Jesus' atoning death for us, we freely receive the forgiveness of our sins and become family members of God; we are reconciled to God and can serve the living God. This new covenant sealed by Jesus' blood is for anyone who believes in Jesus.


Application: Lord, help me remember your grace of forgiveness and live as your covenant people.
One Word: Jesus shed his blood for my sins.