Wednesday, Day 37
Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples
Passage
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for 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 again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:17-30 (ESV)
Perspective
The Jewish Passover was the celebration of God “passing over” the houses of the Israelites in Egypt (marked by the blood of a lamb spread over their doorposts) when he delivered the last plague on the Egyptians who had enslaved the Israelites: the death of the firstborn in each household. During this meal (and still today), Jews remembered the saving work of God as he brought them out of slavery in Egypt and into the land He had promised them. God was about to bring all of humanity out of slavery to sin and brokenness by offering the perfect Passover Lamb: His own Son. This lamb was going to experience the worst of the human condition, including being betrayed by someone close to him. As Jesus and His disciples celebrated this Passover together, he instituted a new meal of remembrance: the Eucharist or Communion.
Ponder
Imagine yourself in this scene. What might you have been thinking or feeling if you were one of the disciples? If you were Jesus, what emotions do you think you would experience? What does it mean to you that Jesus has given his body and blood to bring a new covenant of healing, restoration, and justice? What about the last supper (or communion) do you find impactful, confusing, or comforting?
Pray
Spend some time thanking Jesus for his willingness to sacrifice himself in order to set the world right someday. Think through the various ways Jesus suffered throughout his life, and thank him for doing those things for you.
Practice
Traditionally, Christians worldwide commemorate the Last Supper on the Thursday before Easter, a day called Maundy Thursday. Today is your preparation day! Make sure you have some kind of bread/cracker and some kind of juice/wine on hand for tomorrow. You might even invite a friend, small group, or family members to join you tomorrow to celebrate Communion together. As you prepare, pray that God will give you fresh eyes for this ancient tradition.
