The Lord’s Supper

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Scripture: Luke 22:19-20 (ESV)

19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Devotion:

            Tonight, the church celebrates the institution of the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist. Jesus deviated from the traditional Passover meal script to commemorate what was to come in the next few days: His death, burial, and resurrection. That this holy meal is still celebrated by the church some 2,000 years later is a testament to the power and meaning these events still have for the church today.

            Jesus already knew that His time on this earth was drawing to a close. Therefore, He sets in motion this meal as a Holy Spirit-infused memorial meal for the church. In many traditions, including mine, these words of institution can only be said by an ordained minister or specially commissioned elder. It is not that these are magic words but simply a recognition that this meal is special, Holy, Set Apart from common food for a sacred purpose.

            In this meal, the church gives thanks to God for sending His only begotten Son, Jesus, into the world to bring healing, peace, and power through His life, death, and resurrection. Let us mark this day as the church’s Thanksgiving day. On this day especially, we can stop and thank God for His marvelous gift to us. Let us lift our hearts, giving thanks to God for Jesus.

Prayer:

            Lord, we come before your throne today with hearts full of gratitude for your amazing gift of Jesus, who came to be our Lord and Savior. Let us take time today to celebrate and remember all that Jesus was, said, and did for us during His short life among us—giving thanks that He lives and reigns with you in heaven to this day. May this Holy Meal help us to remember all that Jesus has accomplished and celebrate that He lives eternally with you. Amen.

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