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Christian beliefs - EdexcelThe Last Supper, Jesus’ betrayal, arrest and trial

The events in the last days of Jesus’ life, including the Last Supper and Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, form the basis of many key Christian beliefs. These events are described in each of the four Gospels in the New Testament.

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Last days – the Last Supper and Jesus’ betrayal, arrest and trial

The Last Supper

London based young actor, Keziah, describes her daily life as a Christian

The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his , the night before his . During the meal, Jesus predicted that one of his disciples would betray him. At the end of the meal, Jesus broke bread and shared it with his disciples, telling them to do this in remembrance of me (Luke 22:19).

Jesus offered wine to his disciples, saying to them:

Drink from it, all of you. This is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Luke 22:20

This quote shows that, through the sacrifice Jesus was about to make, a new relationship would be formed between God and humanity.

The Last Supper holds a special significance for Christians as it forms the basis of the , a key Christian church service.

Image caption,
The Last Supper, painted by Jan Erasmus Quellinus (1634–1715)

The betrayal and arrest

After the Last Supper, Jesus was talking to some of his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas (one of Jesus’ disciples) arrived, leading the chief priests and their guards to Jesus. Jesus’ disciples wanted to defend their leader, but Jesus told them to put their swords away. Peter, Jesus’ closest disciple, cut off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. Jesus healed it and ordered that there should be no violence. He was led away to the house of the High Priest.

The trial

Jesus was put on trial by the . They considered Jesus’ claims to be the son of God and found him guilty of this charge.

The next morning, Jesus was taken to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate did not think that Jesus was guilty so he gave the assembled crowd a choice: he would release either Jesus or a Jewish freedom fighter, Barabbas. The crowd chose Barabbas to be released. This meant Jesus was to be crucified.

The soldiers mocked Jesus and placed a crown of thorns on his head. The crown of thorns represents both Jesus’ suffering and the fact that he was mocked by his persecutors.