Matthew 26:26-28 (CSB)
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
These verses from Matthew 26, are from The Last Supper. A Passover meal was held by Jesus and His disciples, just 15 to 18 hours before Jesus was crucified on the cross. Jesus referred to the breaking of the bread as His body. His body would soon be broken on the cross. Eating the bread is a symbol of receiving and knowing the sacrifice Jesus went through for us on the cross. Next, Jesus talks about drinking from the cup, which is a symbol of Jesus’ blood that was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
In the Old Testament, the covenant between God and His people was sealed with the blood of sacrificed animals. In the New Testament, God made a new covenant between Himself and His people. The blood of Jesus on the cross would be a one time, final sacrifice as payment for human sin. Eating the bread and drinking the wine would be known as Holy Communion or the Eucharist, and The Lord’s Supper.
Dear God,
We thank you for the new covenant you made between yourself and your people. Thank you for what Jesus did for us on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Thank you for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and conquering death forever. We await the return of Jesus to earth to be our Lord and Saviour. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
