The Institution of the Lord’s Supper
“26 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
“30 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives”
Matthew 26:26-30.
Jesus celebrated the Seder Supper, the Passover, on the night before He died. But instead of celebrating this meal in memory of God who won Israel their freedom from slavery to Pharaoh, King of Egypt, Jesus changed this meal forever when He celebrated a new memorial meal of thanksgiving to God for sparing, not just Israel, but the whole world from eternal slavery to sin and death. It was no longer the matzah bread and wine that reminded Israel of the saving grace of God, but it was now the matzah bread and wine that pointed to the Body and Blood of Jesus. Jesus Christ gave His life, symbolized in this meal, called the Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving” in Greek, to free us from slavery from sin and the eternal punishment of our sin, eternity in hell.
So whenever you are given by God, the grace, to celebrate this meal, Communion, or the Eucharist, take part in it “in memory of Jesus Christ!”
For in this meal is the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the unity of the holy Spirit.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
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