"One of you will betray me"
On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus shared a final Passover meal with his disciples. He broke bread, saying "This is my body," and shared wine, saying "This is my blood of the covenant." This act instituted the Eucharist (Holy Communion), a central rite in Christianity.
During the meal, Jesus announced, "One of you will betray me," alluding to Judas Iscariot. Da Vinci's painting captures the shock and confusion of the apostles at this moment. It depicts the human drama of betrayal set against the divine plan of salvation.