Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lent

And He (Jesus) 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 22:19-20).

Read Matthew 26:26-29.

During this Passover feast, Jesus and His disciples ate the
lamb's meat. In doing so they remembered those lambs whose
blood had been spread on the doorposts and lintels in Egypt to
cause the angel of death to pass over the houses of Israel's
firstborn.

Now Jesus takes unleavened bread from the Passover table,
and makes it a new memorial. The Son of God-God's own
Passover Lamb-miraculously joins His own body to the bread
and His own blood to the wine. As we eat the bread and wine
we receive that same body and blood that was nailed to the
cross and poured out of His wounds.

Jesus Christ gives us a very vivid reminder that He has taken
away the sins of the world through His suffering and death.
Sealed by His body and blood, we are safe and secure,
assured the angel of death will pass over us on Judgment Day.

It is a new covenant, a new binding agreement by which God
our Father promises to accept Christ's sacrifice in our place,
and to give us full forgiveness and peace for Jesus' sake. And
it is Jesus' new testament-His will which is in full force ever
since His death-giving to us forgiveness, peace and everlasting
life in God's presence.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, in the wondrous meal of Holy Communion, You
give us Your very body and blood to forgive our sins, and
reassure us of Your complete and free forgiveness. Help me
treasure this precious meal always, and to remember Your
death until You come again. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)