Samuel Clarke (1675–1729)

18.JESUS, to convince them at this time by an evident proof, that all the things he was to do and suffer were according to divine foreknowledge and appointment, bids them go into the city, and tells them where and with what tokens they should find a man, who at first asking should conduct them to a house fit for Jesus and his disciples to keep the passover in.

19.Accordingly the disciples went into the city, and finding all tokens answer exactly as Jesus had foretold, they made all things ready for keeping the passover.

20.Things being thus prepared, Jesus came at evening, and sat down to supper with his twelve apostles.

21.And as they were eating, Jesus knowing what things were ready to befal him, said to them, verily one of you twelve shall betray me into the hands of them that seek my life.

22.At this they were greatly amazed and troubled, knowing all, except Judas, their own innocence; and desiring to clear themselves from suspicion, they every one said, Lord, I hope it is not I, that shall be guilty of so horrid a crime.

23.Jesus answered: One that sits very near me, and now eats out of the same dish with me, is the person that will betray me.

24.And I, indeed, must suffer according to the will of God, and according to the prophecies that went before concerning me. But though the divine wisdom thinks fit to make use of the wickedness of my betrayer, as an instrument to effect great and excellent designs; yet the wickedness of him that wilfully and maliciously betrays me is not the less for being thus over-ruled by the wisdom of God to serve just, and good, and wise purposes: and, therefore, the punishment of that man shall be very great; so that happy had it been for him, if he had never been born.

25.Hereupon Judas, not at all terrified at these severe words of Christ, but hardened now in his wickedness, and as if he thought he could conceal his design, said, Lord, is it I? Jesus answered, yea, you know it is so.

26.At the end of this supper, Jesus took bread in his hands, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and distributed it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat this. For as the eating of the passover was a perpetual commemoration of the deliverance of the children of Israel out of Egypt; so from henceforward your eating this sacramental bread shall be a commemoration or remembrance of my death, and of my body being broken for you.

27 and 28.In like manner, taking a cup of wine in his hand, he gave thanks, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Drink ye all of this. For from henceforth your drinking this sacramental wine shall be a commemoration of my blood being shed for the remission of their sins who believe and obey the gospel, and a perpetual confirmation of this new covenant.

29.And I will have the Jewish passover commemoration no longer continued: but the things of which these were figures, shall now be fulfilled and accomplished in the kingdom of the Messiah.

30.Then, having sung an hymn, they departed, and went into the Mount of Olives.

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