Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

(Jesus said) "For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in
the kingdom of God" (Luke 22:16).

Read Luke 22:16-18.

First, Jesus shocks His disciples by saying He will soon
suffer. Then He tells them He will not eat the Passover again
until it is fulfilled in God's kingdom. They knew that the first
Passover occurred long ago when the angel of death had
struck down the firstborn in Egypt, but passed over all those
houses marked with the blood of the Passover lamb. The
act was completed more than 1,400 years before, but Jesus
tells them it still isn't fulfilled.

In the original Passover only the firstborn were in danger.
But all of us are slaves of sin and under the curse of hell.
Not even the blood of all those Passover lambs could save
us from eternal death. Only the blood of the Lamb of God,
shed on the cross, can do that. Whoever is shielded by
Christ's blood on Judgment Day, will watch the angel of
death pass over and will spend eternity with Him in heaven.

The next time Jesus will eat the Passover it will be a
memorial feast in heaven, looking back on His completed
sacrifice. Each time we receive Holy Communion, we
partake of that meal, celebrating the new Passover,
remembering His sacrifice for us, and eating the body and
blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, keep me firm in this faith until You bring me to
heaven to share Your great Passover feast. And throughout
my days on this earth, work through me to bring many others
to saving faith that they too may share this eternal feast with
You in heaven. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)