Devotionals for December 7, 2022
We're still collecting toys for Christmas Toy Drive! CLICK HERE for more info.
READ
Luke 22:14-20
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 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.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 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.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
REFLECT
As we see in Luke, it is no coincidence that Jesus chose this Passover to have His last meal with all of His disciples. Christ “eagerly desired” to celebrate the Passover with His closest friends on Earth. He knew full well the brotherhood they shared would be shaken to its core.
One would betray Him, one would deny Him, and the rest would scatter in fear and shame. But Jesus still looked forward to this time. He knew this Passover would be the one where He would take the place of the ceremonial sacrificial lamb and become the true sacrifice for all people for all time.
This was the intersection of the historical Passover and a new era of eternal Communion with God through Christ and later, the Holy Spirit. It is this collision of tradition, history, symbolism, and reality that we celebrate when we approach Communion today.
One would betray Him, one would deny Him, and the rest would scatter in fear and shame. But Jesus still looked forward to this time. He knew this Passover would be the one where He would take the place of the ceremonial sacrificial lamb and become the true sacrifice for all people for all time.
This was the intersection of the historical Passover and a new era of eternal Communion with God through Christ and later, the Holy Spirit. It is this collision of tradition, history, symbolism, and reality that we celebrate when we approach Communion today.
APPLY
Q: What is happening in your heart, mind, and soul when you read the words of Christ at the Last Supper?
Q: Knowing that Jesus eagerly looked forward to this meal with his friends, how does that make you feel about His humanity?
Q: How do you think you should approach our modern-day Communion in your relationship with Christ?
Q: Knowing that Jesus eagerly looked forward to this meal with his friends, how does that make you feel about His humanity?
Q: How do you think you should approach our modern-day Communion in your relationship with Christ?
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Dear Jesus, we thank You for Your blessings in the food we eat, the homes, we have, and the security You’ve given us. Help us to appreciate the Bread that is Your body, sacrificed in our place, and never take it for granted. May we be blessed daily by Your Love for us.
Dear Jesus, we thank You for Your blessings in the food we eat, the homes, we have, and the security You’ve given us. Help us to appreciate the Bread that is Your body, sacrificed in our place, and never take it for granted. May we be blessed daily by Your Love for us.