Chapter 7: The Bread and the Cup

During the meal, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and passed it around.

JESUS“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”— Luke 22:19-20

These words would become how his people remembered what was now hours away. A different rescue. A different covenant.

Then the weight in the room shifted. Jesus said that one of them at the table would betray him. The disciples looked at one another, and then at him. Each one began asking whether it could be him.

JOHN“Lord, who is it?”— John 13:25

Jesus answered quietly, so that only John could hear.

JESUS“It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.”— John 13:26

He took a piece of bread, dipped it, and handed it directly to Judas.

JUDAS“Is it I, Rabbi?”— Matthew 26:25

JESUS“You have said so. What you are going to do, do quickly.”— Matthew 26:25, John 13:27

Judas took the bread and walked out into the night. No one else at the table understood what had just happened. Some thought Jesus had told Judas to buy what was needed for the feast. Some thought he was sending him to give something to the poor. They had watched the exchange and missed it entirely. (John 13:28-29)

The door closed behind Judas. Eleven men remained at the table, still unaware that the betrayer had just left the room.

Then Jesus told them that all of them would fall away before the night was over — that it had been written: strike the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter. Peter could not accept it.

PETER“Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will. Even if I have to die with you, I will not deny you.”— Matthew 26:33, 35

JESUS“Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”— Matthew 26:34

Peter insisted. Every disciple said the same. The room was full of men who meant every word they said — and would not remember saying it by morning.