Preparation for Passover

12 On j the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrifice the Passover lamb, k His disciples l asked Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare the Passover so You may eat it?”

13 So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him. 14 Wherever he enters, tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher m says, “Where is the guest room for Me to eat the Passover with My disciples?” ’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.” 16 So the disciples n went out, entered the city, and found it just as He had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Betrayal at the Passover

17 When o evening came, He arrived with the Twelve. p 18 While they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, “I assure you: One of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me!”

19 They began to be distressed and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?”

20 He said to them, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping bread with Me in the bowl. 21 For the * Son of Man q will go just as it is written r about Him, s but woe t to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

The First Lord’s Supper

22 As u they were eating, He took bread, v blessed and broke w it, gave it to them, x and said, “Take it; y this is My body.” z

23 Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, a He gave it to them, and so they all drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is My blood that establishes the covenant; b c it is shed d for many. e 25 I assure you: f I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine g until that day when I drink it in a new h way i in the kingdom of God.” j