The Last Supper


Greetings, Church Family:
Today on this Thursday of Holy Week, we as Christians observe Maundy Thursday.  It is on this day that we commemorate the Last Supper, the Passover meal that Jesus and his disciples celebrated in the upper room, just before his crucifixion.  
Here is the passage from Matthew 26:26-29:
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.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 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 from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
At the time, the disciples did not understand Jesus’ words, but we understand now that the bread they broke represents the body of Christ, broken for us.  The cup represents the blood of the new covenant, which Jesus gave freely so that our sins might be forgiven. The disciples did not know at the time that mere hours later, Jesus would be crucified and that each of them would abandon him.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
The Lord’s Supper remains such an important sacrament of our faith today because it represents the promise that Jesus made over 2,000 years ago, not only to his disciples, but to the whole world.
On this Maundy Thursday, may we remember that promise “that all who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross.”
Peace and Blessings to you this Holy Week.
- Justin




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Image
Since early March, our Sunday worship experience has transitioned from the Greenway sanctuary to our homes.  Although I miss seeing my Greenway brothers and sisters, I do know that, in the not too distant future, we’ll again gather to worship at Greenway.    As I think about worship in the home setting, my thoughts turn to our brothers and sisters who secretly worship in their homes around the world.  Many of our international brothers and sisters worship in their homes because of the very real threat of violent persecution.  Unlike us, they do not know when, if ever, they will be able to publicly worship our Lord and Savior.   As I worship in my home, my thoughts and prayers gravitate to my international brothers and sisters in the persecuted church.     Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Thank you to Robert McKethan for this contribution!
Read more

Christmas Eve, 1968

Image
From Robert McKethan: "Earlier this week, I was reading and contemplating a devotion about Psalm 8.   The third verse describes God’s construction of the universe, “When I consider the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…”  As, I read this verse, I was taken back to Christmas Eve, 1968.  On that date, American astronauts circled the moon for the first time.  Each of the three astronauts took turns reading from the first chapter of Genesis.  They also captured this iconic image, the earthrise above the moon’s horizon.  My thoughts then and now are:  Our creation did not occur as a result of some “big bang” event billions and billions of years ago.    Our God created the universe out of nothing…in six days .   Our God is a God of incomprehensibly awesome power and imagination. As you look at the earthrise image, read  Genesis 1 and  Psalm 8 .  I also encourage you to listen to the hymn,  How Great Thou Art ."  
Read more

Our Creator Will Sustain Us

Image
From Christy Smith: Hello, Greenway Church Family! One of the good things that has come out of our family’s quarantine is the return of regular family meals. I’m spending more time cooking and have a new appreciation for the variety of foods that God has made. He has put so much detail and care into creating the things we eat. Can you even fathom how much more infinite detail and care He put into creating us, His beloved children?  The Bible tells us that we should be anxious for nothing, that He has already taken care of all our needs. Our Creator will sustain us in every way, including gifts of farm fresh eggs, tiny tomatoes, and juicy apples. What things are you thankful for today?  Blessings, Christy Smith “Therefore do not be anxious, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousne
Read more