What Was the Last Supper — Meaning Explained
The Last Supper was Jesus' final Passover meal with His disciples, during which He instituted communion, predicted His betrayal, and prepared them for His death.
The Last Supper was Jesus' final Passover meal with His disciples, during which He instituted communion, predicted His betrayal, and prepared them for His death.
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." — Luke 22:19-20 (KJV)
What "What Was the Last Supper?" Actually Means
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered His twelve disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover feast. During this meal, several momentous events occurred. Jesus washed the disciples' feet as a lesson in humble service (John 13:1-17). He identified Judas as His betrayer and sent him away. He took bread and wine and gave them new meaning: 'This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me' and 'This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you' (Luke 22:19-20). This established the ordinance of communion that Christians observe to this day. Jesus also delivered His longest recorded teaching (John 13-17), covering the coming of the Holy Spirit, the vine and branches, the command to love one another, and His great high priestly prayer. He predicted Peter's denial and prepared His disciples for the grief and joy ahead. The Last Supper connects the Passover (deliverance from Egypt through a lamb's blood) with the cross (deliverance from sin through Christ's blood).
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Luke 22:19-20
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
John 13:34-35
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples."
1 Corinthians 11:26
"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Happened at the Last Supper?
History & Origins
What Happened at the Last Supper?
History & Origins
Who Wrote the Bible?
History & Origins
The Creation
Genesis 1–2 • Origins and Purpose
The Last Supper
Matthew 26:17–30; Luke 22:7–38; John 13–17 • sacrifice
The Serpent in Eden — Satan in Genesis 3 (KJV)
The serpent in Eden is Satan's first appearance in Scripture — questioning God's
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.