In the night in which Jesus was handed over, there was no way the twelve could foresee the darkest hour the evening would bring. Jesus, however, knew completely the events that would unfold. Jesus knew the fear and anxiety they would feel, the sorrow at the loss of their master, and the grief that would pierce their hearts. So Jesus prepared his friends. He gave of himself once more in the breaking of the bread and pouring of the cup.
As we come to God’s table, Christ offers himself to us in this same bread and cup. The burden of our sin is replaced with assurance of God’s grace. Eating this bread and sharing this cup is the means by which Jesus comes to us, not only spiritually, but physically in order that we may feel the power of God’s love. Jesus continues to offer his body and blood because he knows we need it. He feeds us the bread of life because without it we have no life in us. This is the power of God’s love made manifest.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it. Again after supper he took the cup, gave thanks and gave it for all to drink. Even as we gather and hear these words again, our Lord Jesus comes into our midst, stands among us and says, “Given and shed for you…Do this in remembrance of me.”
Prayer: Come Lord Jesus, and fill me with your grace. Amen.
In the Beginning 