And He (Jesus) took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me. And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood" (Luke 22:19-20).
Read Matthew 26:26-29.
During this Passover feast, Jesus and His disciples ate the lamb's meat. In doing so they remembered those lambs whose blood had been spread on the doorposts and lintels in Egypt to cause the angel of death to pass over the houses of Israel's firstborn.
Now Jesus takes unleavened bread from the Passover table, and makes it a new memorial. The Son of God-God's own Passover Lamb-miraculously joins His own body to the bread and His own blood to the wine. As we eat the bread and wine we receive that same body and blood that was nailed to the cross and poured out of His wounds.
Jesus Christ gives us a very vivid reminder that He has taken away the sins of the world through His suffering and death. Sealed by His body and blood, we are safe and secure, assured the angel of death will pass over us on Judgment Day.
It is a new covenant, a new binding agreement by which God our Father promises to accept Christ's sacrifice in our place, and to give us full forgiveness and peace for Jesus' sake. And it is Jesus' new testament-His will which is in full force ever since His death-giving to us forgiveness, peace and everlasting life in God's presence.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, in the wondrous meal of Holy Communion, You give us Your very body and blood to forgive our sins, and reassure us of Your complete and free forgiveness. Help me treasure this precious meal always, and to remember Your death until You come again. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 31-33 Mark 3:1-19
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