The Last Supper
Matthew 26: 17-30
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
On the table have twelve unlit candles. As each person is mentioned a candle is lit.
This could be done with 12 candles or just light one at the end.
The story of bread and wine does not begin here.
It is the story that holds every story and is mingled here with the story of Jesus every person Jesus met, every one he touched, every one he brought back into community.
With each of the next lines a candle is lit.
The woman at the well who drank that living water.
Zacchaeus the tree climber who broke the mould of tax collectors.
Jairus’ daughter who rose from sleep and knew new life.
Peter who chose to have his feet washed and then denied Jesus three times.
Lazarus who fashioned the way of resurrection.
Mary for whom Jesus could find no accusers.
The Syro-Phonecian woman who challenged Jesus with an inclusive kingdom.
Andrew who found a picnic and thought it might become a feast.
Martha the worker with no time to rest and listen.
the haemorrhaging woman who dared reach out and touch the hem of his garment.
When you deny me and hurt me and do all kinds of things to me.
Judas betrayer who tried to force the hand of the kingdom.
For each one Jesus broke bread and said this kingdom is for you.
For each one Jesus shared wine and said the promise is alive in you.
For each one Jesus requested:
make this the one thing you always do
to remember me.
Amen