Devotionals for December 5, 2022
Don't forget! Snow Fest is this Friday, Dec 9th from 6-9pm.
READ
Matthew 26:17-19
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
Matthew 26:16-29
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.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 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.”
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
Matthew 26:16-29
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.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 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.”
REFLECT
The last night that Jesus spent with all his disciples became an important occasion beyond their imaginations of Jewish traditions. The Passover and Festival of Unleavened bread were established by God in the Old Testament to remind the Jewish community of the redemption God provided through a specific sacrifice. The sacrifice of a lamb combined with the sprinkling of its blood and obedience by those who followed God’s instruction saved the life of the firstborn of each Jewish family held captive in Egypt. The result was freedom for the children of Israel.
It is probably no coincidence Christ chose the Passover celebration to begin His final journey to the Cross. The first Communion with Jesus was so much more than symbolic. It is the intersection of the Past and Future, an old tradition met with new hope, and the temporary atonement of a sacrificial animal passing into a permanent promise through the blood of Jesus, The most High King. It is at this intersection of Holy Communion and the Passover remembrance celebration that prophecy is fulfilled and everlasting life made available to all.
This week we will look at the importance of the Passover and its significance in the fulfillment of Christ’s destiny, and prophecy, and how Communion is not just a command and sacrament, but a means of celebration and communication with God.
It is probably no coincidence Christ chose the Passover celebration to begin His final journey to the Cross. The first Communion with Jesus was so much more than symbolic. It is the intersection of the Past and Future, an old tradition met with new hope, and the temporary atonement of a sacrificial animal passing into a permanent promise through the blood of Jesus, The most High King. It is at this intersection of Holy Communion and the Passover remembrance celebration that prophecy is fulfilled and everlasting life made available to all.
This week we will look at the importance of the Passover and its significance in the fulfillment of Christ’s destiny, and prophecy, and how Communion is not just a command and sacrament, but a means of celebration and communication with God.
APPLY
Q: Why did Jesus compare the bread to His body and the wine to His blood?
Q: What is the hope Christ referred to as “when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom”?
Q: Is the forgiveness of sins Jesus mentions available to anyone? Who do you know that may need the hope of forgiveness today?
Q: What is the hope Christ referred to as “when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom”?
Q: Is the forgiveness of sins Jesus mentions available to anyone? Who do you know that may need the hope of forgiveness today?
SING
PRAY
"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."
Dear God, the author of all good things, thank You for your love toward us. Help us to understand Your Word in both scriptures and in our hearts so we may honor You in all that we do.
Dear God, the author of all good things, thank You for your love toward us. Help us to understand Your Word in both scriptures and in our hearts so we may honor You in all that we do.