Week 11 | Day 1 THE UPPER ROOM Matthew 26:17-35 | Luke 22:17-38 | John 13:1-38

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered His disciples to celebrate the Passover, reinterpreting it around Himself as the true Passover Lamb. He instituted the Lord’s Supper, identifying the bread as His body and the cup as the new covenant in His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins. During the meal, Jesus openly acknowledges that betrayal and denial were imminent—Judas would hand Him over, and Peter would deny Him—yet He continued to extend grace, invitation, and purpose even in the shadow of the cross.

In John’s account, Jesus took the posture of a servant by washing His disciples’ feet, redefining greatness as humble, self-giving love. The significance of these passages is profound: Jesus revealed the heart of the gospel before accomplishing the work of the cross. He showed that redemption flows from sacrificial love, covenant relationship, and servant leadership. Even knowing the failures of His followers, Jesus remained faithful, demonstrating that the kingdom of God advances not through power or self-preservation, but through love, humility, and obedience.

APPLICATION

1. Remember Christ through Obedient Worship

The Lord’s Supper calls us to regularly remember Jesus’ sacrifice with gratitude and faith. It serves as an opportunity to audit our lives as an act of worship to God’s Word and will.

2. Lead through Humble Service

Jesus’ foot-washing reminds us that true leadership stoops to serve rather than seeks status. It requires humbling yourself before others never looking for anything in return.

3. Trust God despite Human Weakness

The disciples’ failures show that God’s plan is not derailed by imperfect people. God can still use us in spite of our failures, flaws, and faithlessness.

4. Prepare Spiritually for Testing

Jesus warns that trials are coming, calling His followers to prayerful dependence rather than self-confidence. We must live aware and alert to the desires of the flesh, ways of the world, and schemes of the demonic.

5. Live in Covenant, not Casually

The new covenant in Christ’s blood calls for surrendered lives shaped by grace and obedience.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving Your disciples to the very end and for giving Your life as the true Passover Lamb. Teach me to remember Your sacrifice, serve with humility, and trust You in my weakness. Strengthen my faith when I am tested, and shape my life by the power of Your covenant love. May I follow You faithfully, even when the cost is great. Amen.