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Last Supper facts for kids

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The famous painting of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, Italy. Many artists have painted this important meal.

The Last Supper is a very important meal that Jesus shared with his closest friends, called apostles, in Jerusalem. This happened just before he was crucified. This meal is a key event in Christianity.

The Apostle Paul wrote about this supper in his first letter to the Corinthians, which is part of the Bible. Three of the four Gospel books (Matthew, Mark, and Luke, known as the Synoptic Gospels) describe Jesus using bread and wine. He said these were symbols of his body and blood. The fourth Gospel, John, doesn't mention the bread and wine. Instead, it tells how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. This act showed how humble he was. Because of this, some Christian groups practice foot washing as a sign of humility.

Christians remember the Last Supper every year, especially on a day called Maundy Thursday. The Last Supper is also the reason for a special Christian ceremony called the Eucharist. This ceremony is also known as "Holy Communion" or "The Lord's Supper."

What Was the Last Supper?

The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus ate with his twelve apostles. It took place in Jerusalem before his death. This event is described in the New Testament of the Bible. It is a central part of Christian belief.

The Symbols of Bread and Wine

During the meal, Jesus took bread and broke it. He told his disciples that it was his body. Then, he took a cup of wine and said it was his blood. These actions became very important symbols in Christianity. They represent Jesus' sacrifice for people.

The Washing of Feet

The Gospel of John tells a different story about the Last Supper. It describes Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. This was a job usually done by servants. By doing this, Jesus taught his followers about humility and serving others. He showed them that even leaders should be humble.

Why Is the Last Supper Important?

The Last Supper is important for several reasons. It is seen as the moment Jesus established the Eucharist. This is a sacrament where Christians share bread and wine. It helps them remember Jesus and his teachings.

Remembering the Event

Christians remember the Last Supper every year. They do this especially on Maundy Thursday. This day is part of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter. It is a time to reflect on Jesus' love and sacrifice.

The Meaning of the Eucharist

The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is a key part of Christian worship. It is a way for believers to connect with Jesus. They remember his death and resurrection. The bread and wine are central to this sacred meal.

The Last Supper in Art

The Last Supper has inspired many famous artists throughout history. They have created beautiful paintings, mosaics, and sculptures. These artworks show different moments from the meal.

Famous Paintings

One of the most famous artworks is Leonardo da Vinci's mural. It was painted in the late 1490s in Milan, Italy. This painting shows the moment Jesus tells his disciples that one of them will betray him. Other famous artists like Tintoretto and Dieric Bouts have also painted their own versions of the Last Supper. These artworks help people visualize and understand this important event.

Images for kids

  • Last Supper

    Last Supper, mosaic

  • Dieric Bouts - The Last Supper - WGA03003

    The Last Supper by Dieric Bouts

  • The Last Supper (1886), by Fritz von Uhde

    The Last Supper by Fritz von Uhde (1886)

  • Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles

    Jesus giving the Farewell Discourse to his eleven remaining disciples, from the Maesta by Duccio, 1308–1311.

  • Icon last supper

    13th century Orthodox Russian icon from 1497

  • Cenacle on Mount Zion

    The Cenacle on Mount Zion, claimed to be the location of the Last Supper and Pentecost.

  • Duccio di Buoninsegna 029

    The Washing of Feet and the Supper, from the Maesta by Duccio, 1308–1311. Peter often displays amazement in feet washing depictions, as in John 13:8.

  • Simon ushakov last supper 1685

    Simon Ushakov's icon of the Mystical Supper.

  • The-Last-Supper-large

    Last Supper, Carl Bloch. In some depictions John the Apostle is placed on the right side of Jesus, some to the left.

  • The Last Supper - Leonardo Da Vinci - High Resolution 32x16

    The Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci, late 15th century

  • The Last Supper (Dark side of the Eucharist), 1786 by Benjamin West

    The Last Supper (Dark side of the Eucharist), by Benjamin West, mid 18 century

  • Jacopo Tintoretto - The Last Supper - WGA22649

    The Last Supper, by Tintoretto, 1592–1594

  • Última Cena - Juan de Juanes

    The first Eucharist, depicted by Juan de Juanes in The Last Supper, c. 1562

  • Last Supper (Pisani)

    The Last Supper by Lazzaro Pisani, the altarpiece of Corpus Christi Parish Church in Għasri, Malta

  • Last Supper miniature from a Psalter c1220-40

    Miniature depiction from c. 1230

  • Comunione degli apostoli, cella 35

    Communion of the Apostles, by Fra Angelico, with donor portrait, 1440–41

  • Domenico ghirlandaio, cenacolo di ognissanti 01

    Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1480, depicting Judas separately

  • Valentin de Boulogne, Last Supper

    Valentin de Boulogne, 1625–1626

  • Wrocław Last Supper

    Last Supper, sculpture, c. 1500

  • Jaume Huguet - Last Supper - WGA11797

    Last Supper by Jaume Huguet, c. 1470

  • Tiepolo Last Supper

    Last Supper by Tiepolo, c. 1760

  • Bouveret Last Supper

    The Last Supper, by Bouveret, 19th century

  • Laatste Avondmaal, Gustave van de Woestyne, 1927, Groeningemuseum, 0040054000

    Last Supper, by Gustave Van de Woestijne, 1927

See also

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