Jesus sends disciples to prepare a place for the meal. When evening comes, he reclines at the table with the Twelve.

The meal is overshadowed by the knowledge that betrayal is coming. Jesus tells the group that one of them will betray him, and the disciples respond with sorrow and questions.

During the meal Jesus takes bread, gives thanks or blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to the disciples. He identifies the bread with his body.

He then takes a cup, gives thanks, and shares it with them, speaking of his blood of the covenant poured out for many and connecting the meal with forgiveness and the coming kingdom.

Luke records Jesus telling the disciples to do this in remembrance of him. Paul will later preserve a closely related tradition in 1 Corinthians 11.

John’s account of the final meal emphasizes Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, the identification of Judas, and an extended series of teachings about love, service, the Holy Spirit, suffering, and abiding in Jesus.

The meal therefore looks backward and forward at once. It is rooted in Israel’s story of deliverance and covenant, but Jesus uses it to interpret his own approaching death.

After singing a hymn in the Synoptic accounts, Jesus and the disciples go out toward the Mount of Olives. The table fellowship gives way to Gethsemane, arrest, trial, and crucifixion.