On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples (Luke tells us it was Peter and John) asked Jesus, “Where do you want to make preparations for you to eat the Passover meal?”
Jesus 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.”
The disciples did as Jesus asked and prepared the Passover celebration.
A day earlier, Jesus had revealed to the disciples that he would be turned over to the authorities and be crucified. When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve disciples, eating. He said,
“Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
The disciples were sad and one by one, asked Jesus, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
Jesus replied,
“The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it was written. But woe to the man who betrays the Son of Man. It would be better for him if he had never been born.”
Then Judas, the one who would eventually betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
While they ate, Jesus took bread and when he had given thanks, broke it and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat. This is my body.”
Then he took a cup and when he had given thanks, he gave it to the disciples saying,
“Drink from the cup, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until the day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
When they had sun a song, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
What the story means to us today
A critical turning point in the New Testament
We have entered a critical section of Matthew. Prior to this, Matthew recorded the many lessons that Jesus taught. From this point onward, many consider the remainder of Matthew to be an account of Jesus’ death. However, it is much more than that. It is an explanation of why Jesus died for us and what the new covenant that he introduced means to the future of mankind.
As Jesus said, when pouring wine for the disciples, this covenant is “poured out for many for the forgiveness of their sins.” This covenant is based on the idea that by accepting that Jesus is our Savior, meaning we accept his lessons and agree to follow them throughout our lives, we can be forgiven for our sins and receive salvation. This covenant is often referred to as the New Covenant, which is described in more detail in the Book of Hebrews. This covenant replaced the Old Covenant that God made with the Israelites, which was based on following the Old Law and making animal sacrifices to atone for sin. Thus the reason Christians say Jesus “died for our sins.”
This critical change in God’s agreement with mankind arose from these very passages, which are often referred to as “The Last Supper,” the meal that took place the evening before Jesus was crucified.
Deeper thoughts and additional considerations
What is Passover? What is Feast of Unleavened Bread? How do they differ?
The Jewish festivities, Passover and Feast of the Unleavened Bread (the event Matthew introduces these verses with) are often thought to be the same thing, but they are actually described as two different events in the Bible. The Feast of Unleavened Bread follows Passover, although the two events overlap.
Passover is not a week or a day but rather a meal. It is held on the 14th day of the month of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds to a varying day in March or April on the Gregorian calendar. This meal, called Sedar, serves as a celebration of God’s intervention to save the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt. The meal is eaten on the 14th day of Nisan at twilight (days on the Hebrew calendar start at twilight on the night before).
During the Seder, the Passover lamb is represented in a similar manner to our lamb, Jesus. In the same way, the blood of the Passover lamb saved the Hebrews from Egyptian captivity, the blood of Jesus saves us from sin.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread starts on the 15th day of Nisan, at twilight and lasts for seven days. During this period, Israelites are to eat unleavened bread for seven days and to remove all leaven from the Jewish home before the feast begins.
The one who dipped his hand in the bowl with me
Jesus told the disciples, “The one who has dipped his hand in the bowl with me will betray me.” His statement was not intended to single out a specific person but rather, to tell the disciples that one of his closest friends, those who were eating with him, would betray him. It would not be a bystander, one of the Jewish rabbis, or elders of the Jewish church who turned Jesus over to the authorities but astoundingly, one of the Twelve Disciples.
At the time, this revelation must have stunned the disciples, as evidenced by each asking Jesus if they would be the one to betray him. In fact, John’s account tells us that the disciples did not quite understand what Jesus was telling them. If they had, they may have attempted to stop Judas, which would have gone against God’s plan for a new covenant.
The Covenant
Jesus mentions a “new covenant”, represented by his blood or more accurately, the sacrifice he is about to make. This covenant is important, not just because it is the foundation of Christianity but because it fulfills a promise made by God in the Old Testament a few hundred years prior.
In Jeremiah 31:31, God says through the prophet,
“The days are coming when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel (10 of the 12 tribes) and with the people of Judah (the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, from which Jesus descended). It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I led them out of Egypt. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor or say to one another, Know the Lord, because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
This passage clearly describes Jesus’ role in the kingdom of God and his role in the fulfillment of God’s covenant.
Take and eat, this is my body – the blood of the covenant
At this point in the Passover celebration, Jesus says something that veers from tradition. Handing out the unleavened bread and pronouncing a blessing over it was expected, but when Jesus said, “Take and eat, this means my body,” the disciples were likely surprised. It would only be later that the disciples understood the meaning behind Jesus’ words.
When the cup is taken (likely the third of four cups in the Passover ritual), Jesus says, “This is the blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of their sins.” Jesus is clearly fulfilling the prophecy recorded in Jeremiah, but how would Jesus’ death allow forgiveness of sins?
Only Matthew includes the phrase “for the forgiveness of sins”. Mark, Luke, and John do not mention atonement, although it is clearly implied through Jesus’ New Testament message. But it’s not necessarily the act of Jesus dying that should be the focus here. Jesus’ death was symbolic in nature, just like animal sacrifices in the Old Testament were symbolic means of atonement.
Hebrews 9:22 tells us that “without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins”. Before this new covenant, people were required to sacrifice, figuratively and literally, to atone for their sins. Now we must only ask for forgiveness, be sincere in our request, and follow Jesus’ teachings. Much of this requirement derived from Jesus’ teachings and the example he set for us here on earth, a task he willingly took on, knowing full well it would result in his death. Thus, Jesus indeed did “die for our sins” or, possibly more accurately, “paved the way for our salvation through his groundbreaking ministry, teachings, and example”.
Communion
The events that took place at this Passover dinner are partially replicated by Christians in ceremonies called the Last Supper or Communion. The act of Jesus breaking bread (“take and eat, this is my body”) and pouring of wine (“this is the blood of the covenant”) was a visual representation of what would replace the ancient act of sacrifice with a “new covenant”. Communion, also called the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, is a symbolic representation of these acts that Jesus introduced during the Last Supper.
During Communion, Christians consume bread and wine that represent the body and blood of Jesus. The two together are symbolizations of the sacrifice Jesus made for the sins of humanity. Partaking of Communion is a way for Christians to remember and honor his sacrifice.
A timeline of Jesus’ last day on Earth
The Last Supper took place the evening before Jesus’ death. The remaining chapters in Matthew cover a stunning array of events that occurred in the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life. To put this in context, the last week of Jesus’ life looked something like this:
Sunday
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and causing a stir among the crowds who welcome him with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”
Monday
Jesus curses a fig tree for not bearing fruit, symbolizing the judgment that will come upon those who do not follow God.
Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out the money changers and merchants who had turned it into a marketplace.
Tuesday
Jesus teaches in the temple and confronts the religious leaders who challenge his authority.
Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, predicting the destruction of the temple and the signs of the end times.
Wednesday
No recorded activity.
Thursday
Jesus celebrates the Passover with his disciples, instituting the Lord’s Supper and washing their feet.
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking God to take the cup of suffering from him.
Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the temple guards.
Friday
Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, who finds no fault in him but condemns him to death anyway.
Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified.
Jesus dies and is buried in a tomb.
Saturday
Jesus’ body rests in the tomb.
Sunday
Jesus rises from the dead, defeating sin and death and fulfilling the prophecy of his resurrection.
The science behind the story
The Importance of Passover in Jerusalem
In Jesus’ day, if a person lived in Palestine or the general area, they were required to attend Passover in person in Jerusalem. Israelites believed that several verses in the Old Testament hint at the requirements. For instance, Exodus 12:25-27 says, “When you enter the land which the Lord will give you, as He has promised, you shall observe this rite.” Exodus 23:17 states: “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Sovereign, the LORD.”
Three times a year—on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, on the Feast of Weeks, and on the Feast of Booths — all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place that he will choose. They shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. (Deut. 16:16). Jewish theological documentation solidifies the rule even further.
Reclining at the dinner table
In ancient Israel, people did not always sit in chairs at the table like we do today, especially for formal banquets. Instead, they reclined on cushions or couches while they ate. Specifically, they would lay on their left side on the floor, supported by their left arm (leaving the right hand free to eat with), with the head closest to the table and the feet farthest away.
Singing a hymn after the meal
The verses describe the conclusion of the meal like this: “When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”
A hymn sung at the end of the Passover meal was a tradition. The Hallel Psalms (Psalm 113-118) were sung during the meal. Psalms 113 and 114 were sung just before the second cup and 115–118 were sung at the end of the meal, after the fourth, or hallel cup.
Translation notes
“You have said so”
When Judas asked Jesus if he would be the one to betray him, Jesus replies, “You have said so.” Jesus’ response was surely enough to surprise Judas but not enough to reveal the betrayer to the other disciples. His response would mean something like, “You said it, not me”.
Bible text
NIV
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.
NET Bible
26:17 Now on the first day of the feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 26:18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near. I will observe the Passover with my disciples at your house.” ’ ” 26:19 So the disciples did as Jesus had instructed them, and they prepared the Passover. 26:20 When it was evening, he took his place at the table with the twelve. 26:21 And while they were eating he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 26:22 They became greatly distressed and each one began to say to him, “Surely not I, Lord?” 26:23 He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 26:24 The Son of Man will go as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had never been born.” 26:25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus replied, “You have said it yourself.”
The Lord’s Supper
26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat, this is my body.” 26:27 And after taking the cup and giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, 26:28 for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, that is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 26:29 I tell you, from now on I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 26:30 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
NKJV
17 Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”
18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” ’ ”
19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.
The Passover is Celebrated
Mark 14:17–21; Luke 22:14, 21–23; John 13:21, 22
20 When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?”
23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?”
He said to him, “You have said it.”
The Lord’s Supper is Instituted
Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Cor. 11:23–26
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
Peter’s Denial is Predicted
Mark 14:26–31; Luke 22:34, 39; John 13:37, 38
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
The Message
17 On the first of the Days of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare your Passover meal?”
18–19 He said, “Enter the city. Go up to a certain man and say, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near. I and my disciples plan to celebrate the Passover meal at your house.’ ” The disciples followed Jesus’ instructions to the letter, and prepared the Passover meal.
20–21 After sunset, he and the Twelve were sitting around the table. During the meal, he said, “I have something hard but important to say to you: One of you is going to hand me over to the conspirators.”
22 They were stunned, and then began to ask, one after another, “It isn’t me, is it, Master?”
23–24 Jesus answered, “The one who hands me over is someone I eat with daily, one who passes me food at the table. In one sense the Son of Man is entering into a way of treachery well-marked by the Scriptures—no surprises here. In another sense that man who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man—better never to have been born than do this!”
25 Then Judas, already turned traitor, said, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?”
Jesus said, “Don’t play games with me, Judas.”
26–29 During the meal, Jesus took and blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to his disciples:
Take, eat.
This is my body.
Taking the cup and thanking God, he gave it to them:
Drink this, all of you.
This is my blood,
God’s new covenant poured out for many people
for the forgiveness of sins.
“I’ll not be drinking wine from this cup again until that new day when I’ll drink with you in the kingdom of my Father.”
30 They sang a hymn and went directly to Mount Olives.
KJV
17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? 18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. 21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? 23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but hwoe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. 25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.