7 Days of the Easter Story: A Family Experience Through the Feelings of Holy WeekSample

Surprise at the Last Supper

The Last Supper is when Jesus celebrated Passover and had dinner with the disciples, knowing He would soon die. The night was full of surprises, with Jesus washing the disciples’ feet and telling them it would be His last meal.

This meal is called the Last Supper because it was Jesus’ last Passover supper on earth before His death the next day (Luke 22:16; Revelation 19:9–10). But none of the disciples knew Jesus was about to die. Jesus began by telling the disciples that this would be His last meal until the kingdom of God came (Luke 22:16). Imagine what they were thinking: What does He mean this is His last meal? And when will the kingdom of God come? He then asked them to drink wine and eat bread to remember Him.

Jesus also told the disciples that one of them would betray Him. Then came one of the most surprising moments of the night: Jesus washed everyone’s feet. Only servants washed people’s feet! Jesus said, “What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand” (John 13:7). Shocked, Peter said, “You will never wash my feet” (John 13:8). But Jesus was clear: “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me” (John 13:8). Jesus surprised the disciples by showing the incredible humility of their King.

Surprise: Surprise is an emotional response to something unexpected. Surprise can be pleasant and welcome (a surprise trip with your family) or it can be unpleasant and not welcome (finding out the trip is canceled). Jesus’ disciples began the Passover meal with no idea what would happen that night. Their world was about to get turned upside-down.

Everything Jesus said and did during the Last Supper felt upside-down to the disciples. Why was this Jesus’ last supper? Is the kingdom of God coming tomorrow? How could one of us betray Him? Why is Jesus washing our feet? Shouldn’t we be washing His? They were even more surprised when Jesus gave them a new command: to love others as Jesus loved them—to love everyone, even if others deny us, betray us, or bully us (John 13:33–35). For the last surprising act of the meal, Jesus said Peter would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. Peter couldn’t believe it!

Family Discussion Questions:

• Imagine being at the Last Supper and having Jesus wash your feet. How would you feel?
• What part of the story of the Last Supper surprises you the most?