Jesus, one day, talking with his disciples, said to them: “Take care that you are not deceived. There will be many coming in my name, saying, ‘I am Christ, and the end is near;’ but don’t follow after them. When you hear of wars and disturbances, don’t be frightened; these things must first come, but the end is not at once. Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be great earthquakes, and famines, and pestilences, and fearful sights; and great signs shall there be from heaven: and before these come, people will persecute you, and put you in prisons, and you shall be brought before kings and rulers, for my name’s sake. And you will have a chance to testify for me; but you need not plan what you shall say, for I will give you words that your enemies can neither answer nor resist. You will be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death; and you will be hated by men for my sake; but not a hair of your head shall perish. Be patient to the end, and your souls shall be saved. When you see Jerusalem surrounded with armies, then know that desolation is near. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let them which are in the midst of it depart out, and let not them which are in the countries enter thereinto.” [Illustration: JESUS FORETELLS THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE.—Matt. xxiv. 2.] THE LORD’S SUPPER. It was the evening before Jesus was to be crucified that these things happened which are in our lesson to-day. Jesus sent Peter and John to make ready the supper, that they might eat it together. He said to them: “When you get to the city of Jerusalem, a man will meet you, carrying a pitcher of water; follow him and stop at the same house. Tell the man of the house that the Master told you to ask him where the guest-chamber was in which he could eat the Passover with his disciples. He will show you a large upper room, furnished. In that room make all things ready.” It all happened just as he said, and they prepared the supper. When Jesus and the twelve disciples sat down he said to them, “I have longed to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I will not eat of it any more until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took up the cup and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves, for I say unto you, I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God shall come.” And he took bread and gave thanks, and gave the bread to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup and passed it to them, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” [Illustration: THE LAST SUPPER.—Matt. xxvi. 26.] THE CROSS.