A few years ago, my son and I watched our favorite team lose the Super Bowl. We stared in disbelief as our team walked off utterly dejected. After a long season of overblown hype and heaven-high expectations, we had to face the fact that our heroes had been defeated.
In the weeks that followed, we watched the highlights of the game several more times, and believe it or not, something in me truly believed the outcome of the game might actually be different if I watched it just one more time.
Reading the Gospel accounts of Holy Week, I wonder if those closest to Jesus had a similar experience. I suspect the disciples may have hoped—in spite of Jesus’s clear indications—that things would not get as far as their Master having to suffer and die.
Just picture the scene: “As they were eating, he took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many’” (Mark 14:22–24).
I imagine Him elaborating in that moment: “Things are about to get really, really hard. I am going to suffer, bleed, and die. But friends, you must remember these things as long as you live. This is the only way, and it is imperative that you celebrate forever what I am about to do for you.”
But knowing something is going to happen doesn’t mean you can’t hope for a different outcome. Up until the moment they sealed the tomb with Jesus inside, the disciples must have prayed in earnest that the day might yet end without their friend bruised, bloody, and deceased.
This illustrates something that the Bible teaches over and over again: God knows better than we do. In His unsearchable wisdom, God knew nothing but His own blood would restore the severed relationship between Himself and His people. He knew that in order to establish a new covenant, He would have to settle the terms of the original account once and for all with His own Son’s death. There was simply no other option than for the innocent Lamb of God to suffer and die so that we might live.
On that immeasurably momentous Thursday evening, Jesus taught His disciples how to actively remember His broken body and spilled blood. They may not have wanted to believe it yet, but this is how it would have to be in order for God’s salvation story to conclude with Jesus wearing a crown of undisputed victory. We may yet find ourselves beholden to the debt of sin and sentence of eternal spiritual death if the events of that evening had not been consummated with the blood of the slain Savior.
Because it is God writing the story instead of us, His blood has set us free.
Written by Alex Florez
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82 thoughts on "The Last Supper"
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God is writing the story!
“Abba,[a] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
When I read this verse, I was impressed anew by Jesus knowing that “everything” is possible for the Father. Then he specifically asked for what he wanted … “Take this cup from me.” Then he gives up his own will, and asks the Father to do His own will.
For some reason, reading that today really impressed upon me that Jesus truly did not want to go through what was coming. “Take this cup from me.” No doubt about it. Then in the very next sentence, he gave up what he wanted to do the Father’s will.
Are my prayers every that specific? Do I ever say to God, “Do this”? Or do I Surrey requests with pleas and please? And once I’ve specified my desire, want, need to God, do I turn it over to Him?
Lots to ponder for me today.
Am I the only one who wonders what the hymn they sang at the last supper sounded like? Anytime the Bible mentions music, I desperately want to know what it sounded like, what songs were sang for praise and worship, and so on. The musician and singer in me just wants to hear what is described.
For God so loved the world…♥️
Today’s reading always makes me sad. Jesus became so alone. He gave Himself at the table, surrendered in the garden, and was abandoned by those closest to Him. He knew it would all happen and still chose to go through with it. Peter’s failure and Jesus’ surrender are a powerful reminder that my own weakness does not stop His love ❤️
Its such a good reminder that God has the final say and he has the last word and the victory. I ask that you pray for my anxiety and worry – i often struggle with the fear of the future. I also ask that you pray for my dad – he has a pulmonology appt today and I ask that you pray that everything be good and he be healed.
Praying
I have been in some deep, dark valleys due to anxiety, so I can relate to how debilitating it can be. Praying for you and your Dad!
Every time I read about this moment, my stomach knots up. I feel the bewilderment of the Disciples at the table, not knowing what is going on and afraid they will be the traitor. I feel an urgency and sadness as Jesus tries to prepare them, while knowing their near future actions are going to lead to pain felt by everyone. In the Garden, I feel His fear for Himself and His worry for His closest friends. I feel His first taste of betrayal and maybe abandonment when they can’t stay awake with Him. Afterwards, I can feel the resolve of Christ as He does God’s will. Finally, I think of Peter. I think of the shame and guilt he felt and wonder if he replayed that moment over and over in his head for the rest of his life. Today, as my stomach dropped, I thought “Peter, you will be restored, forgiven, and blessed. Very soon you will be filled with the Spirit and will never deny Christ again.” How precious is Christ’s sacrifice for us and for the true redemption it provides! Have a blessed and beautiful Easter ladies!
By God’s unsearchable wisdom.
By His Son’s anguished obedience.
From death on the cross.
Our salvation is birthed.
What comes to mind is an old hymn.
“What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
O precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus”.
Grace upon grace.
Oh GWINETH52.. you sure do have a way with the truth.. so we understand. Thank you..♥️
We sang that a couple of weeks ago! I love it, but now I’m going to be singing it the rest of the day!
God knows better than we do.
Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and grace and for your life that was given for each of us. We worship you.
♥️
Amen
Lord, help me to rest AND REJOICE in the fact your ways are not our ways and your thoughts not our thoughts! ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8 NIV
Perfect! ♥️
Two things…
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1.) Could you imagine being Judas? I would NOT want to dip bread in the bowl with Him, knowing that it was me, He was talking about. (Actually, I guess it IS me, huh? Ouch!)
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2.) Oh, Peter.
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Indeed he is us.. ouch!♥️
There are just so many things in this passage of Mark. You could literally break it up into many studies. It is hard for me to throw it in on top of the 7 weeks in Psalms, and combine, but we (jail ministry) have been studying all these passages for 6 weeks and still can’t get it all in. I can’t imagine being caught up and actually present in it all with Jesus in real time as a Jew or disciple, or close friend. It seems so easy to look at it all laid out now for us, yet we still can’t completely grasp.
I highly suggest watching The Chosen, season 5! And even the Passion of the Christ. I like to see how The Chosen kinda puts it into a way that seems more “real” and relatable to us of how it “could” have looked.
Today’s last paragraph…immeasurable momentous Thursday evening! Oh how confused they all must of been…ALL that happened in 1 day. How when big events happen we go back and remember the whole day..and what was said and done, and felt. We go over it again and again. That’s why it’s good to go over this passage over and over. And in the other books as well. To have communion to remember, and bring us back to that passion of making it worthwhile! Never forget. His suffering was for us. And he would do it all again, it was the Father will to atone for all, and it was perfect. We, too, will suffer. And it is Perfect as well, to fix our eyes and to align us! Amazing Grace!! How good it is!! I could name a ton of songs…the radio is just popping out good ones…”It Really is Amazing Grace” Phil Whickham. “Worthy of it All” Cee Cee Winans, and “I’d Do It Again” Jeremy Riddle.
God knows better than me. What a powerful reminder. Every time I read about Christ journey and suffering on the cross I am amazed and humbled that he did this for all of us. Praise Jesus
Just like Searching, I too, felt it, (taking a deep breath), knowing what we were going to read. I recall the ending of season 5 of The Chosen with Judas kissing Jesus on the cheek. Sigh… Loved how Alex ends…Because it is God writing the story instead of us, HIS blood set us free. SUCH a great devo for Holy Thursday, sending it to my kiddos.
“Abba,[a] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” This moment to me is the embodiment of the perfect prayer— acknowledging the nature of God, followed by a simple request, and ending with acknowledgment that, ultimately, our prayer answers should always be about what God thinks is best. His will be done.
I also love this moment because to me, this is when I can most relate to Jesus as a human— that moment of “this is going to be hard and painful in an immeasurable way, is there another way, Father?”
This verse stood out to me as well. Jesus knew what was ahead but he said “Nevertheless”. I am praying and meditating on this verse, may we know what lies ahead of us are trials and persecutions because we follow Jesus but may we also say Nevertheless as Jesus did.
Amen
Because God knows better than we do. Amen.
“Because it is God writing the story instead of us, His blood has set us free.”
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How would the story be different if we were writing it? I think that if the disciples could have written the story, it would have ended quite different, and maybe the same if we had written it too – with Jesus not having to suffer and die. But where would that have left them and us? Forever lost and slaves to sin. Praise God that He had a perfect redemption plan, that He loves us more than we could ever dare to imagine.
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Even in our world today, just as in Jesus day and with His death – God has a purpose in the pain. It is never just to see us suffer, but to mold and shape a better you and me, and always for our good and His glory.
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Thank you God for your perfect redemption plan, thank you for sending Jesus – the perfect sacrificial Lamb. Thank you that this story ends with Jesus wearing a crown of undisputed victory! Help me to always remember you and not to take the Lord’s supper lightly. Let it be a reminder of what You did for me.
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Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
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Baby news! Praise God for the safe arrival of my newest grand-baby, Annie Jo – 8 lbs 3 oz. on Monday 3/30/26 at 7:15 pm.
Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your prayers! Emily successfully gave birth at home, her labor was much, much shorter this time and a very easy delivery. Although the birth doula was with Emily, the midwife didn’t arrive until 15 mins after Annie arrived. Dad was on hand to catch the baby and cut the cord!
They had a small scare and had to make a hospital visit yesterday due to a concern with her breathing. But praise God, she is fine and the doctor was not at all concerned. He said it should regulate itself in a few days. Thank you Jesus!!
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Have a wonderful Thursday She’s!
Congratulations! She’s the perfect size for squishy snuggles! ❤️
Praise be to God- congratulations
So happy for your family Sharon. Thanks for sharing the joyful news!
Congratulations
Congrats!
This is wonderful news! Congratulations and so pleased that the home birth went well. Thank you Lord for answered prayer
Oh the joy!
God knows better than us
Reading through this portion of scripture always gives me cause for pause to wonder who I would be in these moments with Jesus in the upper room or the Garden or amongst thr crowds gathered. Would I be sad and say “Surely not I”? Would I fall asleep instead of keeping watch? Would I give in to the pressure of the crowd, cower back and stay silent, or would I say I didn’t know Him? These are sobering thoughts. On the surface, in the comforts of my everyday life it can be easy to carry on to love Jesus, to serve Him as there is no immediate pressure, questions or hostility directed right at me. Jesus knew that all of this would happen, He knew the suffering He would endure and that this was the only way. He knows the weakness of our hearts, that we would choose our own way and yet He was still willing to suffer and die despite who I (we) would (will) be in the upper room, in the garden, and in her courtyard. Its a sacrificial love that is just beyond our understanding, that is always making a way. May I never forget and be ever increasing and commited in my obedience, gratitude and willingness to live for Him, to stand firm and trust Him for all my days.
Thank you Heavenly Father, that
Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. Amen
Amen
I did a quick Google search on significant moments on the mount of olives and found David fleeing from Absalom, and the subsequent psalm, psalm 3. I just can’t help but reflect on the prophetic feelings in the psalms of betrayal. in psalm 3 it says “I cry aloud to the Lord and he answers me from his holy mountain” it is the picture of the garden of gesthemene
Thank you Lord. You made a way when there was no way. How undeserving we are and yet You gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The Lord holds my future. Thank you ladies for praying for me yesterday. As of right now, the strange bumps I discovered are nothing. The one on my head, which was the one that freaked me out the most, will just be monitored and if it changes or I start having headaches/dizziness, the dr will order an ultrasound. So for now, I keep getting to live my very normal life, which I’m beyond grateful for, and we will see if God wants us to explore the new baby pathway.I also wanted to share that it took me several days before telling my husband about these bumps, and I chose to just ruminate over the “what ifs” instead of shining light on my fears. Once I told him, I immediately felt better. It’s just another reminder that we should lean on God and our loved ones when we need it instead of trying to do everything ourselves. I resonated today with Jesus telling the disciples that “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. So true. My flesh is often weak: I’m hungry, I’m tired, I want to sit down and rest, I’m overstimulated. Praying that my spirit will be stronger than my whiney flesh so that I can be a good, loving, faithful servant today, and of course giving thanks to the Lord for my current clean bill of health. Happy Thursday!!
I’m so happy to hear this! And ditto to your prayer!
Praise God for the good report!
Good news and good thoughts. We all struggle too often all by ourselves.
Amen
“God knows better than we do” Help me always to remember Lord that You hold my/our future, and to trust and praise you through it all – Amen!
“Do this in rememberance of Me..”
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I am often doing stuff, not purposely in rememberance, but once done, I will say to Daddy. “remember that? ” Or Grandma, ” I miss doing that with you..” Or Julee..” that was for you baby girl..” Or mum..” I am for sure your daughter.. I have become you..”
In those moments of remembering the ‘original action’ by the loved one who is now at rest in the Lord, my heart may sing or laugh, my eyes may shed tears, my mouth call out their name..
When Jesus, on the night before His betrayal, holding the broken bread, and the cup of wine in His hand, giving thanks and saying..”do this (as often) in rememberance of Me.. He was for sure, asking us to remember Him, and the gift of His life and death on the cross for us. As we remember through Communion, we should give thanks for all He has afforded us through this gift.
For the redemption we have received, and the salvation we receive through faith. For the union we get to be in with the Father, through Him. For the future we get to have, when this life is over.
I would take Communion every day, I want to remember every day these gifts I receive because of Jesus.. I want to remember, though I was not there when these words were spoken by Jesus, The Word of God has my heart and they serve as re-minders and re- aligners to where I should be at..
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” Do this in rememberance of Me..”
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Lord, may I always live my life in absolute thanks and rememberance of you and what you have done and continue to do for me. Lord, I give you my heart, I give you ny soul.. always… in your name Lord Jesus, I pray…
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN.
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Sending love from across the pond, covered in prayers as we remember the enormity of these words..❤️
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Beautiful Tina!
❤️
Amen
XO
Thank You Jesus for the Blood applied!
Thank You Jesus, it has washed me white!
Thank You Jesus, You have saved my life…brought me from the darkness into glorious light!
Amen
❤️
Yes, I LOVE that song “Thank You for the Blood” Charity Gayle!
“Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future” Psalm 16:5
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Jesus offers the cup at the Passover supper
Jesus accepts the cup of suffering in Gethsemane
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God is OUR portion, He is enough
God is our security and future
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Lord,
You are my portion, my cup,
You hold what I cannot.
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Tonight I remember Your love,
broken bread, poured out grace,
a choice to stay when You could have walked away.
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Teach me to trust like that.
To surrender, even when it’s hard.
To stay, even when I’m afraid.
Because I know I falter,
I drift, I hesitate, I fall.
But You remain.
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So here I am,
not strong, just willing.
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Be enough for me.
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Lead me closer.
Amen.
Amen❤️
Amen
Amen, sister.
Psalm 16:5
Lord, you are my portion
and my cup of blessing;
you hold my future.
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Thank You, Jesus, for the blessing of forgiveness, for being the sacrificial lamb, and for eternal life with You. You truly are my portion and my cup of blessing.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
as my nephew says ” God is pretty smart”
Psalm 16:5
Lord, you are my portion
and my cup of blessing;
you hold my future.
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Thank You, Jesus, for the blessing of forgiveness, for being the sacrificial lamb, and for eternal life with You. You truly are my portion and my cup of blessing.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
He is!
Mark 14:31 “But [Peter] kept insisting, ‘If I have to die with you, I will never deny you.’ And they all said the same thing.”
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Don’t WE all say the same thing too? My self confidence in my ability to stick with Jesus is high until I face pressure to “conform” to the culture by saying the “right” thing or not standing up for God’s righteous ways. THEN the battle is real.
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May we remember our brothers and sisters whose very lives are at stake for professing Jesus, yet who do not deny the Lord.
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KIM H – praying all with the other Shes that all will be well and the Lord gives you clear direction.
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SANDI – praying you have peace of mind and heart as you proceed with the next steps of your diagnosis.
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Have a blessed day
Amen Kelly!!
as my nephew says ” God is pretty smart”
Amen ❤
Amen!❤️
this caught me too kelly. I thought, how willing they were to die when they thought they were going to battle. but to surrender to death, that’s just not in a mans DNA.
I agree, so easy to be all in….until.
Lord, keep our faith strong and steadfast. When I have to stand up for you, give me strength. When it costs me everything, will I fold or stay. We have a pretty cushy Christianity here in our side of the world, yet we have seen it more and ramping up if you are paying attention. Lord, keep our eyes open in the word, so we are not caught sleeping with no oil. We must always be prepared.
Knowing today’s study, I had tears in my eyes before I even opened it up. Whew, it is hard reading when you know the suffering described today and the suffering to come is for your own self. Just wow. Thank you, Jesus!
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Alex in the devo says “God knows better than we do” – I need to remind myself of this every day.
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MERCY ❤️ so glad to see you, praying as you get things better situated
GWINETH52 ❤️
HW ❤️
CHERYL BLOW – that song! I have heard it several times in person by Cathedrals and Ernie Haase/Signature Sound, indeed, Oh What A Savior! Oh Hallelujah! ❤️
RHONDA J praying for your nephew and grandson
WENDY B ❤️ thank you for your insights, summations and prayers. Love that you can enjoy family time this week
CEE GEE ❤️
KIM H praying for correct dr evaluation, and for clarity as you and your husband discern God’s will for your family size
MARINA S ❤️
HEIDI ❤️
SALLY B Amen!
Searching as did I!
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That realisation that yes, Sunday is coming , oh but the pain to get there..
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“This is my body, broken for you.” And how..
Yes, tell me the story of Jesus, remind me of the One who gave thst I might live..
May I, LORD GOD always live in the memory of the greatest gift ever..
Thank you Jesus..
“The one who gave so that I might live.” Yes, Tina. …indeed. It reminds me of the selfless Act of organ donation. My father received a cadaver kidney and lived an additional 23 years after that. But it was very clear to our family that that man had to die in order for my father to receive his kidney and live. An illustration that is made very personal.
Karen, these words of yours made my heart jump..”But it was very clear to our family that that man had to die in order for my father to receive his kidney and live.” I felt that my daughter being called home was my ‘cue’ to the relationship I have with Father God now.. A true gift..
Praise the Lord!
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While these last events are so hard to fathom, this truth from the devotion – God knew nothing but His own blood would restore the severed relationship between Himself and His people – sums it up. Thank You Jesus that Your blood has set us free!
Thanks be to God!
God knows better than we do.