The Last Supper: Conversations That Led to the Cross

by William H. Willimon

Experience Lent through the stories Jesus told on the way to the table.

Travel with Jesus on the road to Jerusalem in this profound six-week Lenten study that explores the parables and stories Jesus told at tables along the way to his final meal. Will Willimon invites readers to experience how these table stories—about searching shepherds, welcoming hosts, prodigal sons, and rejected invitations—illuminate the deeper meaning of the Last Supper and Christ's sacrifice.

Through engaging biblical exploration and Willimon's characteristic storytelling wisdom, readers
Discover how Jesus used meals to reveal the surprising nature of God's kingdom
Explore how stories of mercy, invitation, and radical hospitality prepare us for Holy Week
Understand why sharing bread and wine became the central ritual of Christian faith
Experience Maundy Thursday's profound significance in fresh, meaningful ways

Each chapter concludes with thought-provoking questions for personal reflection or group discussion that connect these ancient stories to contemporary Christian life.

This Lenten season, gather at the table with Jesus and his disciples to experience the journey from Palm Sunday to the cross through the stories that prepared the way. Willimon's accessible yet profound insights will transform how you understand both the Last Supper and your own place at Christ's table.

In addition to the book, other study components include a Leader Guide and DVD.

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

About the author

The Reverend Dr. William H. Willimon is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at the Divinity School, Duke University. He served eight years as Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, where he led the 157,000 Methodists and 792 pastors in North Alabama. For twenty years prior to the episcopacy, he was Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Riley Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was used in a Lent study with my Sunday School and used to base a sermon series on at church. We do this often, and this was one of the books that I have enjoyed the best of this type.

Prior to this, I was unfamiliar with Will Wilimon. It took me a few chapters to understand Wilimon's writing style, He kind of jumps from thought to thought and goes in and out of ideas at times. I affectionately described this to a fellow reader and friend as 'schizophrenic writing'. But once I got used to this style I came to really enjoy it and get a lot out of it.

Wilimon gives great insight to Jesus's journey to the Last Supper and ultimately the Cross. He dives into many of the parables and helped me to look at them through a different lens than I ever had before.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would like to read some more Wilimon in the future.

[Graham Snuggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not half bad tbh. Willimon does a good job with explaining some of Jesus’ parables. Makes you wonder more about Christ and his stories/parables. Good anecdotes too. Just the writing was a little elementary for my used-to-be-Calvinist self. Can’t wait to discuss this last chapter with Men’s Group tomorrow.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent lenten reading

My church is reading this book for Lent. Excellent group study book or for individual enjoyment. William Willimon brings the parables and stories to life, helping us to see these scriptures afresh. I highly recommend this book.

[Kristin Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This study is intentionally controversial. I don’t agree with every interpretation of Jesus’ parables and think that the author took liberties to make his (sometimes political) point. With that said, I appreciate a study that is thought provoking and makes me turn back to scripture for answers.

[Susan Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Used in Bible Study group March 2026.

[Norma V. Fellows]

I am an Ordained Elder and learned a kot fromthis wonderful, challenging study. Outgroup completesthis Lenten study on Tuesday abd they are learning abd sharing a lot

[Leslie McGivney · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Sunday school class read this book as a Lenten study. I loved how Will made us all think in a new way about the parables and Jesus.
Loved this book