Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The feast of unleavened bread was approaching, known as the Passover. The chief priests and scribes were seeking a way to put Jesus to death, but they feared the people.

Satan had entered Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, and he went to confer with the chief priests and captains about how to hand Jesus over to them. They were glad when Judas agreed to their plan and offered him thirty pieces of silver for his betrayal.

Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare the Passover in a large upper room that had been made ready. When they arrived, they found everything as Jesus had said it would be. The time came for the meal, and Jesus sat down with the twelve apostles.

With deep longing, Jesus expressed his desire to share this Passover with them before he began to suffer. He told them he wouldn't eat again until it was fulfilled in the kingdom of God. He took a cup, gave thanks, and said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves." He also told them, "I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God shall come."

Jesus then broke bread, gave thanks, and handed it to his disciples, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." After supper, he said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is being shed for you." Jesus knew one of them would betray him, saying, "The one who is betraying me is sitting among us at the table."

As they began to ask each other which one was greatest, Jesus told them not to be like the rulers of the Gentiles or their high officials. Instead, whoever was greatest should act with humility and serve others. He reminded them that he came as a servant, asking, "Is it not I who am among you as one who serves?"

Jesus appointed his disciples to a kingdom, just as his Father had done for him. They would eat and drink at his table in the kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Simon Peter, however, was about to face a great test.

The Lord told Simon that Satan had asked permission to sift him like wheat but had prayed for his faith not to fail. Jesus had also prayed for Peter's restoration after he was converted. Simon replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both into prison and to death." But Jesus warned him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny knowing me three times."

Jesus reminded his disciples that they were sent out without money or shoes but lacked nothing. Now, he told them, whoever had a purse should take it, and whoever had no sword should sell their cloak to buy one. They said, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." Jesus replied, "It is enough."

As was his custom, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with his disciples following him. He prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will but yours be done." An angel appeared to strengthen him in prayer.

After praying, Jesus found his disciples sleeping for sorrow and told them to get up and pray lest they enter into temptation. Just then, a large crowd appeared, and Judas came forward to kiss Jesus as a signal for the arrest.

Jesus asked Judas, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" When those surrounding him saw what was happening, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with swords?" One of them struck a servant's ear off, but Jesus touched it and healed it.

The chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders who had come against him asked, "Have you come out as thieves, with swords and staves?" Jesus replied, "When I was daily with you in the temple, you did not lay hands on me; but now is your hour and the power of darkness."

They took Jesus to the high priest's house, and Peter followed from a distance. A servant girl saw him sitting by the fire and said, "This man was also with him." But Peter denied knowing Jesus three times before the cock crowed.

The men holding Jesus mocked him and struck him. When they blindfolded him and asked him to prophesy who had hit him, many spoke against him in blasphemy. As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, chief priests, and scribes came together to lead Jesus into their council, asking, "If you are the Christ, tell us."

Jesus replied, "If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask you a question, you will not answer." He also said that from now on the Son of Man would sit at God's right hand in power. Then they asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" Jesus replied, "You say that I am."

We have heard it from his own mouth," they concluded, and we need no further witness.