Before television, there was vaudeville. Vaudeville was where many of our best old-time comics learned their trade. Entertainers in vaudeville had to face some pretty tough audiences. So, many of them ended their acts with show-stopping moves to ensure applause at the end.

One performer named Eddie Leonard announced at every performance that this was his last show. He guessed (correctly) that very few people would be heartless enough to boo a man who was performing his last show. So, for 20 years, the announcement that this was his last show ensured Leonard a big ovation at the close of his act. (1)

Our Bible reading for today is about Jesus' "final curtain," but he didn't need any gimmicks to keep his audience's attention. The disciples were hanging on his every word. This was the last …