Lent Day 38: Matthew 26 (#10)

verse 26: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

verse 27: Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.

verse 28: This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

The disciples had a joyful Passover meal at the place Jesus had mentioned beforehand. They spent a happy time, thanking God for saving their ancestors in Egypt and being with Jesus. They might have been excited about the events to unfold, not even dreaming that it would be their last meal with Jesus. They probably talked about the future while eating.

At that time, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "This is my body." Then, the Lord took the cup, gave thanks, and said, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

The disciples might not have understood the meaning of these words. No, they might not have been interested. They were so inflated with their expectations that they had no interest in anything else and couldn't pay attention. They might not have thought that this was a gift from Jesus. They couldn't have imagined that Jesus had come into the world to give this gift. Could the disciples have imagined that Jesus' blood, like the blood of the lamb that saved their ancestors in Egypt, would save them and many others from sin?

This gift is the greatest gift that only God can give, which no one else can provide. It is the greatest gift that God has opened the door, which Adam had closed by sinning, through Jesus.

Matthew 26:29 says, "I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

God has given all people the hope of drinking something new with Jesus in the Father's kingdom.

♧ God, thank you for giving us the hope of that day when we will drink something new. Holy Spirit, lead us in truth!