All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “In Remembrance” CFMCorner May 27, 2023 15 min read Updated: Jun 24, 2025 CFM: May 29–June 4 Matthew 26 ( INT ); Mark 14 ( INT ); John 13 ( INT ) Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast ​Lesson Extension ​Additional Materials Scripture Central Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ​ Follow Him Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ​FHE Lesson Teaching with Power Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ​ Don't Miss This Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ​ ​CFM New Testament Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ​Unshaken Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) ​ ​The Interpreter Foundation Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ​Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh ​Teaching Helps with John Hilton Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ( not yet posted ) ​ ​Talk of Him Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ​ ​Ponderfun Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 ( not yet posted ) ​Talking Scripture Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13 Show Notes Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson Understanding Passover An understanding of the Jewish traditions relating to Passover can provide valuable insights into the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. Passover is a significant Jewish festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Last Supper, which took place during the Jewish festival of Passover, holds great significance for Christians as it is believed to be the event where Jesus instituted the Sacrament. This event memorializes the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, commemorating our liberation from sin and death through His Great Atoning Sacrifice. Passover is marked by several symbolic elements, such as ritual washing, the lamb, unleavened bread (matzah), bitter herbs, and wine. These symbols relate directly to the Last Supper. Ritual Washing: The washing of the apostles' feet during the Last Supper was part of the Passover tradition. During the Passover meal, ritual washings are a significant part of the custom. The process of washing and anointing emphasize the cleansing and purifying power of God, it also prepares the initiate for service, blessing them with the divine power and strength that they will need to perform the various missions and duties they are called to perform (see Exodus 28:2–3, 41 ; 29:4–7 ; 40:12–13 ; Leviticus 8:6 ) . As the host of the Last Supper, Jesus took on the role of a humble servant and washed the apostles' feet, modeling, through his example, what humility and selfless service look like. Through this genuine act of love, Jesus taught his disciples to serve one another in the same manner. The washing of the apostles' feet during the Last Supper thus serves as a profound illustration of the values and characteristics of the Savior and the principles and values he wants his disciples to develop and demonstrate to those they serve. Lamb: In the Passover tradition, the lamb represents the sacrificial animal whose blood protected the Israelites from the final plague in Egypt. Similarly, Jesus is seen as the sacrificial Lamb of God whose blood brings salvation. Matza: also known as the bread of affliction. In Jewish tradition, the bread is unleavened, and this signifies the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine, and referred to them as His body and blood, establishing a new covenant. In many Christian traditions, including ours, the unleavened bread has been replaced with leavened bread, to remind us that Christ is “Risen.” The bread represent both the literal body of Christ and the figurative body of Christ, in reference to his Church. In the Ancient Temple 12 loaves of shewbread were used to represent the 12 Tribes of Israel. In Hebrew, the word matza means “to find,” and this represents the concept of finding “the Bread of Life” in Jesus Christ, and finding and gathering the lost remnants of Israel. Bitter Herbs: Bitter herbs, typically horseradish and greens dipped in saltwater, are an essential element of the Passover meal and serve as a reminder of the bitterness and affliction experienced by the Israelites during their slavery in Egypt. During the last supper, Jesus connected His impending suffering, crucifixion, and death to the bitterness and affliction represented by the bitter herbs. Just as the Israelites suffered under slavery, Jesus was about to undergo intense physical and spiritual suffering for the sake of humanity. One of the traditions associated with the bitter herbs is to dip the herbs in saltwater. The saltwater represents the blood and tears shed by God's people Jesus used the phrase, the “bitter cup” in ​Matthew 26:39, asking if it was possible for the “cup” to be taken from Him. Naturally, he did not want to endure the immense suffering and pain that would accompany the full weight of sin that would come upon him. Yet, Christ willingly and humbly partook of the bitter cup, doing the will of the Father, to finish the work he was sent to perform ( D&C 19:18-19 ) Wine: Four cups of wine are an integral part of the Passover tradition and symbolize different aspects of the Exodus story and the covenant between God and the Israelites. Each cup is offered at a specific point during the dinner and Haggadah, and each represents a specific promise mentioned in Exodus 6:6-7 ( INT ), where God speaks to Moses and outlines His plan for delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt: Cup of Sanctification קָדַשׁ qâdash : The first cup, known as the Cup of Sanctification, signifies the initiation of the sacred Passover meal, setting it apart as a holy occasion. It represents the divine promise of God, וְ הוֹצֵאתִי v ᵊ hô ṣē ' ṯ î " And I will lead you out / bring you out from under the burden." Through the Law of Sacrifice, the Lord prepares and sanctifies His people, inviting them to offer their sins on His altar. By presenting Him with the sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit, individuals learn to place their trust in God and develop an intimate understanding of His character and nature. Through this process, they can personally experience the transformative power of His Atonement in their lives. The Lord lifts their burdens, aids them in carrying their trials, and liberates them from the chains and shackles of sin, addiction, guilt, bondage, anger, shame, hurt, betrayal, fear, pride, and all the other afflictions, infirmities, and weaknesses that so frequently accompany mortality and the fallen nature of our world. ( D&C 59:8 , Alma 22:18 ) Cup of Deliverance : The second cup symbolizes God's second promise, וְ הִצַּלְתִּי vᵊhi ṣṣ altî , “And I will Deliver You from their burdens.” Through the Law of the Gospel, the Lord guides us on a path of liberation, equipping us with knowledge to avoid and overcome the pitfalls that lead to bondage. The precious gift of the scriptures provides us with a written account of His divine Law, offering numerous examples and case studies from which we can glean wisdom. This cup serves as a poignant reminder of God's mighty power to save and deliver those who willingly choose to embrace Him, those who willingly accept His outstretched arm of aid and unwavering support. Cup of Redemption : The third cup, known as the Cup of Redemption, holds a significant association with the covenant itself. It represents God's promise to redeem His people and establish a renewed relationship with them. This cup is traditionally connected to the Hebrew phrase וְ גָאַלְתִּי vᵊga'altî, which means " I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments." It symbolizes the Lord accepting us as His own. We have previously explored the marriage laws and the concept of the kinsman redeemer. In Hebrew, the kinsman redeemer is referred to as go'el, derived from the same root גאל, Gimel-Aleph-Lamed. As illustrated in the book of Ruth, when a woman's spouse passed away, it was the responsibility of the next of kin to ensure the welfare of the widow. The kinsman redeemer would step in as a husband and father figure, shouldering all financial obligations for the widow and her family. He would reclaim anything that had been lost or forfeited, including those who had been sold into slavery. If the widow did not have a child from her previous husband, the kinsman redeemer would fulfill the role of a husband, ensuring her ongoing care and preserving the family lineage. The kinsman redeemer acted as an advocate for the family's rights and provided them with sustenance and protection. Christians believe that Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate Kinsman Redeemer, fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of a husband and father to Israel. Through His Atonement, He paid the price for the consequences of the Fall, freeing humankind from bondage, death, and hell. He willingly took upon Himself all our debts and infirmities. In addition, He offers the opportunity for the family to continue beyond mortal life. Jesus acts as our advocate with the Father, protecting and providing us with the necessities of life, salvation, and exaltation. Throughout the scriptures, the relationship between the Lord and Israel is likened to a marriage, with the Lord as the bridegroom and Israel as His bride. By adhering to the principles of chastity, individuals demonstrate loyalty and fidelity not only to their spouse but also to the Lord. When entering into the everlasting covenant of marriage, it becomes a three-way contract between a husband, wife, and God. Cup of Restoration or Hallel : The fourth cup, called the Cup of Restoration or Hallel , is associated with the final promise of God, וְ לָקַחְתִּי vᵊlāqa ḥ tî " I will take/receive you to me as a people.." This represents God taking his people into the Promised Land and consecrating them as his chosen people. It symbolizes the hope of restoration, joy, and the fulfillment of all G