Easter Week - Thursday

On Thursday of Easter Week . . .

This night Jesus went to the upper room in Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. This was the last supper. Jesus knew that he would soon be put to death. As they ate, Jesus said, "One of you which eateth with me shall betray me." The disciples were sorrowful and asked him one by one, "Lord, is it I?"

Jesus prepared the first sacrament and gave it to his apostles. He told them to eat in remembrance of His body and blood that would be shed.

After they had eaten, Jesus washed the feet of each of his apostles. Some refused to let him wash their feet, not understanding the significance of the act.

"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you." How do we serve our fellowmen?

Jesus led his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. He was alone; all the disciples had fallen asleep. He was filled with sorrow. Knowing that the time had come when he must suffer great agony to atone for the sins of the world, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." He continued to pray. . . and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Jesus knew that the betrayal was at hand. Judas had plotted with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus, having agreed to lead them to him if they would pay thirty pieces of silver. Judas betrayed him with a kiss. Peter, trying to protect Jesus, cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant.

Additional information: Jesus' last mortal miracle was to restore Malchus' ear.