When Jesus knew that his time on earth was coming to an end, he spent his last moments with his disciples, sharing important messages and teachings. Here are some of the things that Jesus said to his disciples before his death.
The Last Supper
One of the most significant events before Jesus’ death was the Last Supper. During this meal, Jesus spoke to his disciples about the bread and wine, which represented his body and blood.
He said, “Take, eat; this is my body,” and “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). This act of sharing bread and wine has since become known as Communion or the Eucharist.
Love One Another
Before leaving his disciples, Jesus gave them a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). This message emphasized the importance of love and unity among believers, modeled after Jesus’ own sacrificial love for humanity.
Prepare for Persecution
Jesus warned his disciples that they would face persecution for their beliefs. He said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). However, he also gave them hope by saying that he would send them a Helper – the Holy Spirit – who would guide them through difficult times.
The Promise of Heaven
Jesus comforted his disciples by assuring them that there was a place prepared for them in heaven. He said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms..I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). This promise gave them hope in the midst of their grief and uncertainty.
The Great Commission
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave his disciples a mission: to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). This commandment is known as the Great Commission and has been a driving force for evangelism and missions work throughout history.
Conclusion
In his final moments with his disciples, Jesus spoke powerful words of love, hope, and purpose. His teachings continue to inspire and guide believers around the world today. As we reflect on these messages, may we be inspired to live out Jesus’ teachings in our own lives.