Jesus & His Disciples

During the Passover, stories of God’s faithfulness were told and retold over a meal. The repeating of these stories fought against the tendency to forget God’s goodness. So, it is fitting that at His last Passover, Jesus sits around a table with his closest friends, telling them a better story of His sacrificial love.

READ

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

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.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 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 from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Matthew 26:20-30

REFLECT

The Passover was a symbolic meal with very specific meanings. The disciples know it well, yet Jesus does something radical. He says the bread and cup actually point to Him! Like the bread, His body will be broken for us. Like the cup, His blood will be poured out for us. 

RESPOND

We invite you to mark this moment by taking communion. You may do this by yourself or you may invite others. Grab some bread or crackers and something to drink like juice or water. Then, walk through these steps.

Take the bread to remember that Jesus’s body was broken for you. His death gives you life. Pray, thanking Jesus for His sacrificial death and the life He makes available to us! Now eat the bread.

Take the cup to remember that Jesus’s blood was poured out for you. His blood covers your sin and establishes a new way to live. Pray, thanking Jesus for forgiving your sins and for making a way for you to be in relationship with God. Now drink from the cup. 

Finish by reading today’s prayer below.

PRAY

Lord Jesus, You prepare a table before me.

I don’t deserve an invitation, but You welcome me anyway.

You invite me to eat, enjoy, and remember.

So, I will head to the table 

with empty hands and a hungry heart,

Knowing it is here where life is found. Amen.