The Death and Resurrection of the KingNäide

A special meal

“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.’” (Matthew 26:26)

Despite the exposure of Judas as a betrayer, Jesus' meal with His disciples was a special and memorable moment. Indeed, Jesus gave a whole new meaning to the familiar Passover meal of unleavened bread and wine. The bread became symbolic of His body, which would be willingly sacrificed. The wine pointed to His blood that would flow. In doing so, Jesus made the bread and wine into symbols of His salvation work.

This special meal is still celebrated by Christians around the world. It is called Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper. It is a powerful way to make the memory of Jesus' death tangible and visible. The apostle Paul writes, “As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

That last part is important. One day the Lord Jesus is coming back! Then He will again have a festive meal with all His followers, in the Father's kingdom (Matthew 26:29). So when we remember Jesus with bread and wine, we not only look back on what He did for us. We also look up to heaven, where He is now. And we look forward to His future, together with all believers.

Have you ever celebrated Holy Communion? What does it mean to you?