The Last Supper

Today we're going to learn about the Last Supper, or العشاء الأخير, one of the most important moments in Jesus's life. This happened during Holy Week, just before Jesus died on the cross for us. Jesus knew that His time on earth was ending, so He wanted to have one special meal with His twelve disciples - His closest friends. They gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover meal together. During this dinner, Jesus did something very surprising. He got up from the table, took a towel, and began washing His disciples' feet! Can anyone tell me why this was so surprising? That's right - usually servants washed people's feet, not the teacher! But Jesus wanted to show His friends how to serve others with love. Then Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it. He gave it to His disciples saying, 'This is my body.' Next, He took a cup of wine, blessed it, and said, 'This is my blood.' Jesus was giving them - and us - a special gift. What do you think Jesus was teaching His friends? Yes, He was showing them how much He loved them and how He would always be with them. In our Maronite Church, we remember this special meal every time we celebrate the Divine Liturgy. When our priest raises the bread and wine, we remember Jesus's great love for us at the Last Supper. Jesus also told His disciples to love one another just as He loved them. This was His most important commandment. The takeaway for us today is that Jesus gave us the greatest gift of love. Every time we receive Holy Communion, we remember His sacrifice and His promise to always be with us.