THE WORD 4 ev 1

Luke 22:19-20 - And He 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.” In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.”

Some liken Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples to a dying man’s last meal. I’ve also heard it compared to someone who is near death gathering the family for one final time of being able to celebrate together.

We know from Jesus’ own word He specifically wanted to eat this particular Passover meal with His disciples, and in yesterday’s devotion we saw how Jesus was taking one final opportunity to teach them about serving others.

This bread and wine He gives them in today’s Bible verse reminds me of the gifts we sometimes exchange at family gatherings. On the very night He was betrayed, Jesus takes bread and wine, gives it to His disciples and tells them that this is “for you.”

Christian churches have celebrated this gift ever since, repeating the sharing of Jesus’ very body and blood in the bread and wine, in remembrance of Him, just as He instructed. I pray you have the opportunity to partake of this holy meal when you are invited to receive it in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.

THE PRAYER: Lord, on this Holy Thursday, the night before Your death, keep us mindful and thankful of the great gift You have given us through Your sacrifice on the cross. Amen.