3 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Leviticus 1-3
Matthew 26:26-46

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Matthew 26:26-28 (CSB): “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take and eat it; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'”

Reflecting on God’s Word

A special occasion for any Bible-believing church is the Lord’s Supper (sometimes called Communion). It’s the occasion when we consume bread without yeast and grape juice (or wine) to remind us of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

In the verses I have chosen for today, Jesus said, “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” Our Catholic friends take this statement literally. They believe that when the priest prays over the elements, they literally become the body and blood of Jesus. While our Methodist friends don’t share this belief, they believe that the body and blood of Jesus are in close proximity to the elements.

Yet, the clearest understanding of the text does not require us to embrace such views. Instead, it seems that Jesus was merely providing a powerful picture of His body and blood. When Paul said, “That rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4), which clearly meant that the Old Testament rock that provided water was a PICTURE of Jesus, Jesus is saying that the unleavened bread and grape juice (wine) of the Lord’s Supper is a picture that points us to Him.

So, what do the bread and juice picture? The bread points to the fact that Jesus left His throne in Heaven and became incarnate (took on a body as fully man). When He lived, suffered, died, and rose again, He did so physically in a body similar to ours. The juice points to the fact that He shed His blood for us in a similar way to the Old Testament sacrifices. Our guilt before a holy God required a death sentence, and Jesus took that penalty (physically) upon Himself for all who will trust in Him.

The next time you partake of the Lord’s Supper at your church, don’t whimsically go through the motions. Take the time to reflect on the fact that Jesus left Heaven to take on a body so that He could physically suffer your punishment so that you can be made right in a holy God’s eyes. Take the time to reflect on the fact that His payment required the shedding of His blood (His death). He did this for you. Then reflect on how you ought to live for Him in light of all He’s done for you.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you develop an even deeper appreciation for the Lord’s Supper and what it stands for.
  • Ask God to help you live a life worthy of all that Jesus has done (and is doing) for you.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into the Lord’s Supper, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What is the importance of the Lord’s supper / Christian Communion?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)