Holy Week Guide | Thursday
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Thursday
MATTHEW 26:26-30
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing, it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Bread and wine were two common items at Jewish dinner. But this was no ordinary dinner. This was the Passover meal and Jesus was sharing it with his disciples, his betrayer at the table. This was a meal rich with imagery of a past salvation and yet pointed to a newer and deeper one. The Passover meal commemorated the Exodus, God’s miraculous rescue of his people from Egypt. He delivered them out of slavery and into life and freedom. The Passover lamb was the spotless lamb that was sacrificed. This sacrificial blood “covered” the trusting and spared them from the judgment that God was unleashing on Egypt. By trusting in God’s provision and applying the blood over the doorpost of their homes, God’s judgment “passed over” them. The Hebrew people were spared and brought safely into God’s new reality for them. Jesus tells his disciples that this history was prophetic, pointing to a greater salvation, a new covenant. Jesus is the Lamb of God who would offer his body and blood to provide a covering for all who would trust Him. He would give his life to purchase our deliverance from the penalty and power of sin. This is so that we might no longer be condemned by it or controlled by it. When the Kingdom of God comes in its fullness, we will finally be free from all of its corruption.
APPLICATION
This meal was a way for Jesus’ disciples to “taste and see that the Lord is good,” and to savor the salvation that Christ would win for them. This was the Last Supper, yet one we reenact each time we receive communion as followers of Jesus, remembering the salvation He won for us and will complete in us when He returns. At each mealtime today, take time to consider Jesus dying in your place, rescuing you from sin, and securing precious promises for you for today and for eternity.
PRAYER
God, on this Thursday of Holy Week, we remember that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, ESV). Because of Jesus, we are forgiven and we are free. Just as the disciples went out and sang a hymn, we lift our voices this day in song and in praise to Christ, our Savior. Grant this day that we would taste and see that the Lord is good. Banish all doubt from our hearts. Help us hold fast to the one who loved us and gave himself for us. Amen.
FAMILY DEVOTIONAL
THINK
Have you ever had a special friend or family member move away? When that happens, it can make us feel very sad. But his/her friendship and love can still grow even though that person doesn’t live close by anymore. What are some things that you could do to remember that person? Photographs, letters/emails, and special gifts are all things that would help you remember that person and the fun and important things you did together.
READ
MATTHEW 26:26-30
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing, it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
JOHN 13: 33-34
Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
In today’s scripture, we read that Jesus and His friends had a special meal together. Jesus wanted His friends to know that he would be going away, but the meal they shared together would be a reminder of His love for them. Jesus wanted His followers to know that when they ate bread, they should remember that His body would be broken for all sins. When they drank wine, Jesus said to remember that He would give up His own blood for them. Jesus would have to die as a part of God’s plan for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus wanted people to know that He was willing to do this because of His great love for them. He was able to do this because He was God’s perfect Son. Before leaving, Jesus gave some important instructions. He said that we should love one another. When we remember Jesus’ great love and sacrifice for us, we should willingly share His love with others.
SAY
“Dear God, help me to always remember your great love for us and the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross to forgive my sins. Amen.”
DO
Think of someone you know that needs to know about Jesus’ love. Invite them to come to church with you on Sunday