Devotion: Matthew 26:26-30 (ESV)
“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”
Devotion
Wow, what an important passage. This is the perfect time to pause and reflect on what these verses actually mean. Jesus sharing the Last Supper with his disciples. As they sat together, enjoying each other’s company, eating and drinking, Jesus took bread and wine, blessed it, and told his disciples that they were his body and blood. We’ve heard this so many times as we partake in communion. This was a pivotal moment in not only the the life of Jesus, but in the history of humanity, marking the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s plan for our redemption. Let’s reflect on what this passage represents.
Jesus spoke of the forgiveness of sins that would be made possible through his sacrifice on the cross. As Christ followers, we believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was a sacrifice for our sins. Through His sacrifice, shedding His blood, enduring torture, and dying, He made it possible for us to be reconciled with God and to have eternal life. The bread and wine that Jesus shared with His disciples in this passage, at the Last Supper, represent a tangible reminder for us of this sacrifice and of the covenant that Jesus made with us. When we choose to participate in communion, we are partaking in this covenant. We are remembering Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. We are also looking at ourselves honestly and facing our need for forgiveness to cover our multitude of sins. Every time we drink the wine and eat the bread, we are recognizing all that Jesus has done for us and choosing to follow Him.
I also think of the way this serves as a reminder to the fact that we are all members of the body of Christ, the importance of community. When it talks about the disciples sitting around the table and doing life together, it makes me think about my sweet friends who have walked with me through the valleys, of my small group who has always shown up. It reminds me that we are charged daily to build one another up and live out our faith. In our day in age, it’s easy to feel too busy, or too distracted by all the demands of our chaotic world. This is a reminder to remember to be still. It reminds up to focus on our faith, to keep our eyes fixed on the cross. It reminds us that we need community and that we are not meant to do this life alone. It reminds us to approach the table, with open hearts, filled with awe for all He has done for us.
Prayer:
Friends, I’m praying over you as you read this. Im praying this gives you a sweet moment to just slow down, be still, talk to God, hear His voice, focus on all He has done for us. Take time to reflect on what communion truly means. Take time to reflect on what He wants from you today, as you keep your eyes fixed on the cross. Spend some time, reflecting, talking, and listening today.
Lord, thank you for this community. Thank you for these sweet reminders that you purposely place in our path. Let this passage fill us with hope and renewed faith. Thank you for your sacrifice. Please never let us lose sight of the cross. Please help to quiet my mind today as I take time to be still with you. Thank you Lord, we love you.
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