Thought of the Day !!

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.”

                                   Matthew 26:26-29 (ESV)

The Passover was the most joyous of celebrations for the Jewish people.  I assume it still is.  This is a time when they remember how God brought them out of Egypt where He freed them from their slavery there.  He brought them to a new home and a new life.

Each year Jews from all over would travel to Jerusalem to remember this occasion.  There would be a Passover meal (also called a seder) to begin the weeklong celebration.  During this meal there were several symbolic foods presented and explained as reminders of the Exodus story.  This is still done today.

For Christians though, Jesus changed the meaning of this meal forever.  It was during this meal that he took one of the four cups used for illustrating God’s gifts to His children and changed it.  He said that a new covenant was being made by his sacrifice for our sins.  This became the first Eucharist (Holy Communion, Lord’s Supper).  It is at this time that he took the cup and told us that because of his shed blood we would be freed from a much larger form of slavery.  We would be freed from the slavery of our sins that led to death eternal.  With this we also find a new home and a new life.

Let us be mindful today of the covenant that Jesus made with us.  Let us remember all that he went through for us and praise him today.  Let us remember that our part of the covenant is to repent and turn to him as Savior and Lord of our lives. 

May God bless you today as you remember Christ.

In the love of Christ,

greg