"And how do you understand these words, that the bread consecrated was his body, and the wine was his blood?" I asked of the disciple.
"That is an inquiry I cannot answer," said John. "It is a mystery. But the Lord says it shall be made clear to us by and by.
"We then sang the Passover hymn to God, and went out at his command to go to Olivet. As we went he discoursed with us:
"'My children,' he said. 'I am to be with you but a little while longer. The hour of my departure is at hand. Remember my last words—love one another. In this shall all men know that ye are my disciples.'
"'Lord,' cried Peter, 'we will go with thee! Thou shalt not leave us nor go without us!'
"Thus we all, eagerly and tearfully, gathered around him, alarmed and grieved at the words he had said. He regarded us lovingly and said:
"'Little children, I must leave you. Whither I go you cannot come!'
"'Though thou wentest to the uttermost parts of the sea, I will follow thee, my Master and Lord!' exclaimed Peter. 'Whither goest thou, that we may not follow? I will lay down my life for thee; and so will all these!'
"'Wilt thou die for me, Peter?' asked Jesus, gazing on him with a sad, sweet look. 'Verily, verily, Peter, thou little knowest thyself. The cock shall not crow twice ere thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.'