And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:19-20 ESV
Today Jesus and His disciples were preparing to celebrate Passover together. Although Jesus had told them several times about His upcoming death and resurrection, they still didn’t get it. Tonight at sundown, Jesus would not only explain it again to them, but would give them something that had such an impact we still partake of it over 2000 years later.
The original Passover meal in Egypt was a picture of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. In the Old Testament most Covenants were sealed in blood. The ones God cut with Abraham and Moses and the one between David and Jonathan could never be broken. Jesus as the perfect Lamb of God had to seal the new covenant with His blood also to make it a once and for all act between Him and God. God accepted His sacrifice and sin was paid for and forgiven forever for those who accept Jesus as their Savior. That is why God can say He remembers our sins no more (Is 43:25) and they are as far as the East is from the West (Ps 103:12).
Jesus also reminded us that His blood was given for the remission of sin (Heb 9:22), which means that it not only has the power to forgive, but empowers us to resist it. It washes whiter than snow and cleanses us completely (Ps. 51:7) forever! Remember this was also the night Judas betrayed Jesus and although He sinned against the Perfect Lamb of God, he could have received His forgiveness, But He chose not to accept the gift of salvation Jesus offered. We may never know why this side of heaven, but one things we know for sure, if he would have received the forgiveness that only Jesus could give Him.
Salvation is a gift, but it’s still one that needs to be accepted in order to recieve all that Jesus purchased for us and taking Communion reminds us just how great and all encompassing gift it truly is.
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