Day 2: The Bread and Cup

READ

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 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.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Luke 22:14–20

Read also Exodus 12:1–14.

REFLECT

The Passover meal was a remembrance of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It was an annual tradition to retell the story of how God spared the Israelites from the plague of death. The blood of a lamb, which was spread over the doorposts, served as a sign that the judgment of death would “pass over” those who were covered by it (Exodus 12:1–14). The unleavened bread reminded them of the hurried departure from Egypt, and the bitter herbs symbolized the suffering they endured in captivity. This meal was a celebration of God’s faithfulness, protection, and covenant promise to deliver His people. To this day, many families around the world continue this practice.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered with His disciples to celebrate the Passover meal. As they shared the bread and the cup, He gave them new meaning. Taking the bread, He broke it and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then, taking the cup, He declared, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” This was more than a meal—it was the fulfillment of a promise, a moment that would forever change the meaning of remembrance.

As Jesus broke the bread and poured the cup, He was foreshadowing the true meaning of the Passover that was about to be fulfilled in Him. The lamb that was sacrificed for the Passover pointed to the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Jesus is the Lamb of God, the fulfillment of the covenant God made with His people. His body was broken for us and His blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Through His sacrifice, a new covenant was established—not just for the people of Israel, but for all who would believe in Him.

Just as the Israelites were spared from death by the blood of the lamb, we are spared from eternal separation from God through the blood of Jesus. His sacrifice brings salvation and eternal life. The bread and the cup remind us of the cost of that salvation—the broken body and the poured-out blood of our Savior. This is the new covenant: God’s enduring promise of grace, forgiveness, and redemption.

A poem by Dr. Richard Valpy

In peace, let me resign my breath,

And Thy salvation see;

My sins deserved eternal death,

But Jesus died for me.

RESPOND

• Recall how you were saved and experienced Christ’s salvation and redemption. How did God work in your life and allow you to know Him? Thank God for how Christ has saved you.
• A simple way to remember what Jesus has done for us is by commemorating His goodness with others. Today or in the next few days, take some time to share a meal with your family or friends. While enjoying the meal together, share your salvation story and tell them what Christ has done for you.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your body broken and Your blood shed for us. Thank You for fulfilling the promise of salvation and establishing a new covenant of grace. Help us to remember Your sacrifice this Holy Week and live in the freedom You’ve won for us. May we never take for granted the incredible cost of our redemption, and may we share Your love and hope with the world. Amen.

SONG

This is Why

by Victory Worship