Last Supper



  1. Students should be able to tell the story of the Last Supper in their own words.
  2. Students should identify the major figures in the icon.
  3. Students should know that the Last Supper was also the first Communion.


Possible Lesson Plan:

  1. Open with prayer.


  1. Scripture References: Matthew 26: 17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:1-65, John 13 and 18:1-27. Each gospel writer, just like the witnesses the class interviewed during the lesson on Lazarus, wrote what he (or his source) observed. Divide the class into 4 groups and have each group spend about 5 minutes reading one of the gospels above. Then, make a timeline on the board. Beginning with Matthew, have each group fill in the events recorded in its reading to get a complete view of this important event. Then, review the story with the icon, identifying the characters, the bread, and the wine. We celebrate the Last Supper on Holy Thursday with the 12 readings of the story.


  1. Historical background: Review the story of Passover in Exodus 12:1-13. Jesus and His disciples were celebrating Passover dinner in accordance with the Law of Moses at the time of the Last Supper. In fact, Jesus is called the Paschal lamb. How is He like the Passover lamb? The lamb saved God’s people from death, just as Jesus was soon to save all people from death.


  1. Discussion: At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Why do we celebrate the Eucharist? Are they truly His body and blood or only a symbol? How do they become His body and blood? (a mystery!) What can happen if they are taken unworthily?


  1. Play a learning game: 20 Questions. Write the names of the significant people from today’s lesson on small slips of paper – Jesus, Peter, John, Judas, man with jar, Moses, Pharaoh, Caiaphas, high priest’s slave, servant girl at the fire, rooster. Each student in turn can select a paper. The others must identify the character by asking yes or no questions.


  1. Add to your time line as usual. Both this lesson and next week’s cover the multitude of events of Holy Week. How will you depict them? As a collage?


  1. Close with prayer.