The Last Supper
The disciples followed Jesus's instructions and prepared for the Passover.
Jesus reveals he has a betrayer at the table. Judas had already laid out his plan, yet chose to sit at the table with Jesus and the disciples in total hypocrisy. Could we act the same toward someone we know has wronged us in such a way?
The disciples share in the breaking of the bread and drinking of the wine which we still commemorate Jesus with today. The disciples begin to question who might the betrayer be. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples to continue to be servants as He was. He then tells Peter "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." Luke 22:34 He then tells the disciples to be prepared with bags, money, and swords because fulfillment of the scriptures through Him is about to happen. He also teaches about the coming of the holy spirit to be their advocate. For a more detailed account of the last supper read John chapters 13-17.
Jesus then goes to the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane. He went and privately prayed with the disciples nearby. "Father, if you are willing take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel of the Lord appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:42-44.
Jesus knew the painful events that were shortly to come and was in extreme agony. Yet, He prayed and was strengthened to continue His mission despite His raw emotions in the moment. He returned to the disciples to find them asleep. He woke them, went and prayed again and returned to find them asleep once again. He woke them again and said "Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" Mathew 26:46. For a more detailed account read Mark 14:32-42 and Mathew 26:36-46.
I think of Jesus in this moment and realize how fully human He was. He prayed in such a vulnerable way. I have to believe every bit of Him did not want to experience the torture and pain that was shortly to come. I guess that is the challenging part of being all-knowing. Yet, He still allowed the religious leaders to approach Him and arrest Him. He still chose the cross for us. He chose to have the nails driven through His flesh. He chose to be our sacrifice so we can live in perfection with Him not only for eternity, but now here on Earth as well. How do we even begin to show our gratitude for such a sacrifice like this?