Reflection and Awe: Lent's PurposeSample

The Lamb

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it,for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” – Matthew 26:26-28 (NLT)

The Thursday of Holy Week is known as Maundy Thursday, and its name derives from the Latin word "mandatum," meaning "commandment." This refers to the commandment Jesus gave His disciples during the Last Supper:

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - John 13:34

Today, let's pause to reflect on the sacred moment when Jesus shared His last supper with His disciples. In the upper room, the table was set, and the meal was prepared. Yet this was no ordinary gathering. This was a moment of eternal significance, foreshadowing the sacrifice about to unfold.

As the disciples reclined at the table, celebrating the Passover, they reflected on God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt—the lamb’s blood on the doorposts, the liberation from slavery. But this night, Jesus pointed them to a far greater redemption. The Lamb of God was preparing to offer Himself for the sins of the world.

He took the bread, broke it, and said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” His words pointed to His own body, soon to be broken for us. Then, lifting the cup, He said, “This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Each action was deliberate, each word steeped in love and purpose. Jesus knew the weight of what lay ahead, yet He pressed on with obedience, humility, and grace.

After the meal, Jesus led the disciples to the Mount of Olives, a place rich with significance. The Mount, known as the burial site of prophets and a symbol of the Temple of God, also served as the setting for Jesus’ teaching, His agony in prayer, and later, His ascension. The olive tree itself speaks of pressing and crushing—just as Jesus would soon be crushed for our iniquities so that we might receive the oil of joy and the hope of salvation.

As we remember this night, we hear His charge:

Do this in remembrance of me. - Luke 22:19

Communion anchors us in His sacrifice, reminding us of the body broken for our healing and the blood shed for our forgiveness. It calls us to reflect on His servanthood, obedience, and love that poured out for us.

Joseph Prince writes, “When we partake of the bread, we declare Jesus’ health and divine life flows in our mortal bodies. When we partake of the cup, we proclaim that we are forgiven and made righteous. His blood gives us right standing before God, so we can boldly approach His throne.”

Today, set aside time to come to the table of communion. Pause and reflect on all that Jesus has done. As we anticipate Easter Sunday, remember that through His sacrifice, healing, and wholeness are available to us.

Lord, we remember Your body broken and Your blood poured out. Thank You for the sacrifice You made to rescue us and bring us into an eternal relationship with You. Help us to live in constant gratitude and boldness, reflecting Your love to the world. As we take communion today, renew our hearts, strengthen our spirits, and center our focus on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.