The Bible tells the redemptive story of God’s love for humanity, something we feel perhaps most keenly at this time of year.

One passage in particular about the betrayal by the disciples Peter and Judas takes us well past today’s Easter traditions — and digs deep into the reason Jesus died on the cross.

“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Close

Before His death, Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Last Supper during the Jewish Passover holiday. (Passover this year takes place from April 10 to April 18.) “And [Jesus] said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,” as Luke 22:15 says. “For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.’”

For Christians, Holy Thursday before Easter Sunday commemorates the day Jesus and his disciples partook in this Last Supper before Jesus’ crucifixion.

Related: The Four Questions for Passover: A Strong Family Tradition

“And [Jesus] took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me,’” according to Luke 22:19. “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’”

The cup represents Jesus’ “blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins,” as Matthew 26:28 also says.

At that time, the chief priests and teachers of the law “were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus.” Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 disciples who were with Jesus that night at supper, had plotted to betray Jesus before the supper took place.

“And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus,” Luke 22:4 says. They paid Judas 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. Judas “watched for an opportunity to hand him over,” Mark 14:11 says — and he aided in Jesus’ arrest.

“But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table,” Jesus said that night. “The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays!’”

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Related: Palm Sunday: Five Important Facts Worth Knowing

After authorities arrested Jesus, the disciple Peter denied three times that he knew Jesus. “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter,” according to Luke 22:16.

“Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times,’” the gospel of Luke continues. Jesus had spoken these words to Peter that night at the Last Supper. After the realization of his denial, Peter “wept bitterly,” the scripture says. He also repented, was forgiven — and was restored.

Judas, for his part, did not save himself. The gospel of Matthew says that he went to the high priests after he betrayed Jesus, threw down the pieces of silver that he had been paid — and went out and hanged himself.

As Christians, we know and recall that Jesus died on the cross so that all of us, no matter our sins, can have salvation and be forgiven. During this Easter season, we recall the enormous sacrifice Christ made for each and everyone of us. He sacrificed himself on the cross — so that we may have life.