God's Gospel Truths
Matthew 26:26-30
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Pondering Point
Less than 24 hours after Jesus speaks these words, blood is literally pouring out of him – for the forgiveness of sins. The above verses are quoted within the celebration of Holy Communion, tying Jesus’ body and blood to the bread and wine originally part of the Passover feast.
We already know that Jesus viewed His body as a temple (see John 2:19) and used New Testament writers Peter and Paul to echo that teaching about our bodies too. But Jesus goes even further in this teaching, speaking of the role His body plays in the life of His disciples. His body is a blessing for all believers and the blood within it was poured out on the cross to bring forgiveness to “the many.”
Since that time, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:26, whenever we “eat this bread and drink this cup, [we] proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
So – at every time – with every group – in every generation – Jesus’ death for sinners is proclaimed through the Sacrament of Holy Communion, forgiveness is celebrated, and God is glorified.
Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Your body (and blood) for me that I might be forgiven of my sins. Truly Your body-temple brought glory to God Your Father. I pray that my body-temple would bring God glory as well, however You see fit to use it. Amen.