The Moment of Truth

^[1] Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, ^[2] and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. ^[3] Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. ^[4] And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. ^[5] They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ^[6] He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present. ^[7] Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. ^[8] Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” ^[9] “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. ^[10] He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, ^[11] and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ ^[12] He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” ^[13] They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. ^[14] When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. ^[15] And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ^[16] For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” ^[17] After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. ^[18] For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” ^[19] And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ^[20] In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. ^[21] But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. ^[22] The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” ^[23] They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.