Table 1.

Jesus Practiced Advance Care Planning and How This Might Engage Persons from a Christian Tradition

Jesus' words and actions	Biblical gospel reference	Possible applications
Spoke openly about his pending death despite the resistance and dismay of others.	Matthew 16:21–23; Mark 8:31–33	Are you willing to recognize, accept, and discuss your death? Why might this be important?
Participated in a celebration of his life on Palm Sunday five days before he died.	Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–40; John 12:12–19	Might you want to celebrate your life even as your death approaches?
Arranged an intimate Last Supper with his friends where he shared symbols of remembrance.	Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–30; John 13:18–30	With whom do you want to spend time? Any favorite meals? Eating places? Symbols to share?
Asked his friends to be with him while he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane.	Matthew 26:36–44; Mark 14:32–40; Luke 22:39–45; John 18:1	Might you want a quiet place? Place of prayer? Friends or prayer partners with you?
Planned his mother's care after he died by having John care for her.	John 19:26–27	Are there others for whom you are responsible? Who do you want to care for them?