In the weeks leading up to Easter, what aspect of the Passion narrative stands out in your mind? What aspect of Holy Week are you meditating on?
“After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’
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.’
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.’” Luke 22:17-20.
Susie shares pieces from her book, The Uncommon Woman, as she reflects on how, in response to the coming trial, Jesus served communion.
“On the night He was betrayed, Jesus took the bread and broke it.”
So often we live our lives in a state of reacting. Jesus never reacted but instead lived in response and obedience to God. He did not make a single move apart from the Father.
“Jesus knew that in a few short hours He would face rejection, torture, and execution. With the longings and passion of His humble heart, He looked forward to getting His disciples around the table for the sake of communion.”
On the night He was betrayed, He chose love and fellowship as the ultimate good.
“Though His betrayal was in motion, He served communion.”
He had a message for them – remember Me.
“Remember that though your badness once disqualified you, the Father’s goodness has saved you. This is the new covenant. Remember that though I am well aware of what lies ahead of Me on the cross, My deepest desire beforehand is to be with you, to break bread with you, and to remind you that My promises are true.’”
Jesus’ love in the face of coming suffering is the theme of the Gospel story – He loved. He chose to love. Even unto death.
Key Scriptures: Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 46; Galatians 6:9
Featured Songs: Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns; Only You by Phillips, Craig, & Dean; I Will Trust in You by Lauren Daigle; Were You There by Selah; Calvary by Hillsong; Cornerstone by Hillsong
