We Celebrate Jesus' Last Words
Powerful Last Words
Have you ever thought about what you would say to the people you love most if you had just one final conversation with them before you died?
Just sit in that thought for a moment.
I just did — and the thoughts that rushed through my mind were filled with love. Urgency. Clarity. The most important things I’d want to leave with them. There would be no time for useless banter. No room for distraction. I’d be locked in. Wasting nothing. Doing my best to give them everything I had in that moment.
Today, we remember The Last Supper — Jesus’ final meal with his friends. The people he had poured into. His twelve... soon to be eleven.
This was his last conversation before the cross. These were his last words, and they’re recorded for us so beautifully in the Gospel of John.
Let’s break down just a few of the key moments from this sacred time.
John 13
The Devil had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus.
And yet — Jesus washes his feet.
He kneels down, taking the position of the lowest servant, and washes the feet of each of the twelve. He begins these final hours by serving them. Teaching them. Showing them that no servant is greater than his master.
Judas soon leaves to do what he was going to do.
Then Jesus gives them what he calls a new command:
“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 14
Jesus begins to comfort them. He tells them he's going to prepare a place for them — that his Father’s house has many rooms.
When they ask how they’ll know the way, Jesus gives one of the most powerful “I Am” statements in all of Scripture:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
By knowing Jesus, we know the way.
And even as he prepares to leave them physically, he promises the Holy Spirit — a Counselor, a Helper, who will live in and work through them. Through us.
We are not alone.
John 15
Jesus gives this beautiful image: “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
If we remain in him and he in us, we will bear much fruit. But apart from him, we can do nothing of real consequence.
He warns us, too:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18
The servant is not greater than the master. Following Christ fully will set us apart — and the world may not respond kindly. But we’re chosen out of the world for something greater.
John 16
He tells the disciples that their grief is coming. That they will scatter. But he is not alone — the Father is with him.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!
I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
John 17
Jesus begins to pray. First, for his disciples:
Not that the Father would take them out of the world, but that he would protect them in it.
That they would be sanctified by the truth — your word is truth.
And then he does something incredible.
He prays… for us.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message…” – John 17:20
That we would be one, as Jesus and the Father are one.
How powerful are these final words?
These are the things Jesus chose to say before he fulfilled his mission on the cross:
Love one another.
Remain in me.
You’re not alone.
You will grieve, but you will rejoice.
Take heart.
Be one.
Words filled with love.
With selfless service.
With grace — knowing those who love him would fall away.
With truth — unshaken by the world’s opinions.
With encouragement — to hold on in hardship.
With hope.
With unity.
These are the things I’ve come to fully count on Jesus for:
Love. Example. Grace. Truth. Encouragement. Hope. Unity. Fulfillment.
Thank you, Lord, for your willingness to reveal these things to us — in our time, and for all time.
We love you.
Thank you for these powerful last words.
-Mark
