While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, giving it to his disciples with the words, "Take this, it is my body." Then taking the cup, he gave thanks, offering it to them, so they all drank from it. "This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many," he said. "It is true, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."
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In
a Nutshell Jesus shared the Passover meal which His disciples have
celebrated ever since, recalling His death until He comes |
Questions
Was this a happy meal? Should it be happy now? Why? |
These are the words of Jesus which we hear when we share the bread and wine of communion together. Those words go back to that simple Passover meal when Jesus gave Himself to His disciples. He had also washed their feet, showing them that He, their Rabbi, was their servant. His Father was in the process of making Him their Master, their Lord, but by serving them He showed us what it means to live in God's world with authority. We love and serve one another, just like Jesus loved us and served us.
Jesus shared the Passover meal. He arranged it and He served it. It took place in a house He had rented. No-one was left out. It was a serious time. I think it is likely that young Mark was there, too, and when the bread and wine were passed around, Mark heard Jesus speak these words as he took his bit of bread and sipped his sips of wine. Jesus shared this Passover meal with His friends. He invited all to participate. As I wrote this I looked carefully at all gospels; it seems likely that Judas also shared in this most sacred meal.
Mark was involved in what was taking place. They were all part of it because Jesus was their teacher. He planned it; He knew the danger they were now in. He knew His betrayer was at hand. He knew Judas had told the religious leaders who were organising a militia all that they needed to know. Later, the evening's activities would unravel; those wanting Jesus' blood would make their move.
But there was Jesus in His last class before His arrest, showing He was giving up His body, passing around the bread; He showed them that His own blood would be poured out - but not without it accomplishing the complete forgiveness of sins. He showed us and so we trust the One who sent Him, the One who always keeps His promises. Jesus blessed the shared cup - a cup of a totally New Covenant.
It is so sad that Judas was still there receiving these signs which we now take to remind us of the Messiah's victory, a victory that comes to us from His sufferings. Jesus' comments here remind us again how He invited His disciples to view their life as a God's special engagement party. Remember? We are invited to the Marriage Feast! Jesus the teacher was aware that His disciples needed His encouragement as they face the good times and the tough times.