THE LORD'S SUPPER

Matthew 26:1-35
Key Verses: 26:26b-28

    "`Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took the cup, gave
     thanks and offered it to them, saying, `Drink from it, all of you.
     This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many
     for the forgiveness of sins.'"


1. Read verses 1-5. What did Jesus tell his disciples? What is
   significant about his being crucified at Passover time? (Jn 1:29)
   What was the plan of the religious leaders?

2. Read verses 6-13. What happened in Bethany? Why might Jesus have
   been embarrassed? How did the disciples react? (8,9; Jn 12:4-6) How
   was Jesus' view different from theirs? What meaning did he see in
   her actions? Why?

3. Read verses 14-16. What did Judas do? What do his actions reveal
   about his attitude toward Jesus and Jesus' teachings? Toward God?

4. Read verses 17-25. What did the Passover mean in the life of God's
   people? (Ex 12:11-13, 17; Lk 1:72-75) Why did Jesus want to eat it
   with his disciples? How did they prepare? How did Jesus show his
   love for Judas and all of them?

5. Read verses 26-30. Why must the disciples and all believers take and
   eat the bread Jesus gives? (Jn 6:35) What is the covenant? What is
   the meaning of Jesus' death? (Jn 1:29; 1 Pe 1:18,19) What did Jesus
   promise?

6. Read verses 31-35. How did Jesus prepare Peter and the disciples for
   what was to come? What was his promise? What is admirable about
   Peter? What would be the result of his not accepting Jesus' words?