Abiding in Easterనమూనా

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 36

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 ESV

Most Christians know about “The Last Supper” and have taken “Communion” or “The Eucharist” at some point in their church experience. We take the bread or wafer and the juice or wine to remember the Lord’s death until He returns. (1 Corinthians 11:26). It should always be a somewhat somber, special, worshipful time. Perhaps you’ve never fully recognized the significance of this Last Supper. It occurred, NOT coincidentally, during the Passover, which was the celebration of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and salvation from the angel of death who was taking all firstborn children, except for those families who sacrificed a lamb and spread its blood over their doorposts. These firstborn were “passed over” and spared. Now, Jesus is instituting a new Passover. His body is about to be sacrificed the next day and His blood shed. For those who receive this sacrifice of this perfect Lamb of God, they become God’s adopted children, His firstborn, and are spared eternal death. Just as Jesus was eager to eat the Passover meal with His closest followers, I believe He is eager to eat it with us, for it marks our adoption and our salvation.

APPLICATION:

Sometime between now and Easter, make sure you take time to celebrate the Lord’s supper, either with your church family or at home with your family. Be sure to take plenty of time for prayer and meditation and worship. This is the best meal you could ever eat.