It was not like they had anticipated. It was supposed to be a celebration -- a celebration of deliverance as they remembered the Passover in that upper room. But Jesus had upset them ƒ with his actions and with his words. Before the meal even began, he knelt before each one of them with towel and water insisting on washing the grime from their feet; it was the action of a common servant, and yet, most intimate. Then, after the meal, he made predictions that shocked them:

"I'm telling you the truth, one of you is going to betray me."

"My friends, I shall not be with you very much longer."

And to Peter, the rock, he said: "Before the rooster crows you will say three times that you do not know me."

Those disciples sat in stunned silence. What Jesus had just said to them shook them to the …