assover. Such were the thoughts of the disciple, Judas
Iscariot. Sunk in deep reflection he walked through the streets that
evening. The pinnacles and towers glowed in the dull red of the
setting sun. He met several companies of soldiers: a captain stopped
him and asked if he did not come from Galilee?

"I suppose you're asking about the Prophet," replied Judas; "no, I'm
not He."

"But I'm certain you know about Him."

Judas drew a deep breath, as if he were on the point of saying
something. But he said nothing, pursued his way, and came to the house
where they were all gathered round the Master.

The room was large and gloomy. A single lamp was suspended over the
large table, covered with a white cloth, that stood in the centre,
around which they were already seated. The Master was so placed that
the whole table could see Him. A large dish with the roasted Paschal
lamb stood before Him. By its side were the Passover herbs in shallow
bowls. On the table were other bowls, and the unleavened bread baked
for the festival in remembrance of the manna eaten in the wilderness.
Near the centre of the table was a beaker of red wine. They were
silent or speaking in whispers, so that the steps of Judas, as he
entered, echoed. He was almost terrified by the echo. Then he greeted
them in silence with a low bow and sat down, just opposite John, who
was at the Master's right hand, while Peter sat at His left.

There was solemn silence. Their first Passover in Jerusalem! Jesus
took one of the unleavened cakes, broke it, and laid the pieces down.
James divided the lamb into thirteen portions.

"We are thirteen at table," whispered Thaddeus to his neighbour
Bartholomew. He was silent. They did not eat, but sat there in
silence. The lamp flickered, and the reddish reflection hovered about
the table. Then Jesus began to speak.

"Eat and drink. The hour approaches."

John placed his hand tenderly on His, and asked: "What do you mean,
Lord, when you say, The hour approaches?"

"My friends," said Jesus, "you will not understand how what will happen
this night can come to pass. They will come and condemn Me to death.
I shall not flee, for it must be so. I have to bear testimony to the
Father in heaven and of His tidings, and therefore I am ready to die.
If I were not willing to die for My words, they would be like sand in
the desert. If I were not willing to die, My friends would not be
justified, and would do