When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat ituntil it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Then he took a loaf of 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 he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Luke 22:14-20
Remember what's important
Have you ever heard what someone said and were so busy working out all the meanings that you didn't respond? That's probably where the disciples were upon hearing Jesus' words as they sat down to the Seder after a tempestuous week in Jerusalem.
Also imagine how, in his omniscience, it was painful for Jesus to know this was not just the Passover supper, but their last meal together as Master and Disciples, and that his imminent end would be horrific. But he also knew that the sacrifice of his life would rewrite the relationship that all people have with God. And these disciples, with some help, would finally understand his words and make them understood and loved widely and for the ages.
Jesus' request for remembrance when sharing this meal is surely intended to comfort this devoted gathering after he would be 'gone'. But he wants to be clear that the sacrifice of his life is also for their spiritual nourishment and development. The blood of Jesus as that of the Passover lamb would inspire the disciples to forsake the rules of the world they knew for the new order of the Kingdom of God that Jesus described. Jesus the man would die, but his Spirit is the eternal Christ who was, is, and will be. So he is not gone at all. Understanding his transcendent spirit and on-going restorative nature is remembering Jesus.
Dear God, like the disciples, we don't know our future or even fully understand the present. By remembering Jesus, we are inspired to seek your presence, which is what's really important. Thank you for the life and sacrifice of Jesus which leads us to you. Amen.
Jane McGuire
Luke 22:14-20
Remember what's important
Have you ever heard what someone said and were so busy working out all the meanings that you didn't respond? That's probably where the disciples were upon hearing Jesus' words as they sat down to the Seder after a tempestuous week in Jerusalem.
Also imagine how, in his omniscience, it was painful for Jesus to know this was not just the Passover supper, but their last meal together as Master and Disciples, and that his imminent end would be horrific. But he also knew that the sacrifice of his life would rewrite the relationship that all people have with God. And these disciples, with some help, would finally understand his words and make them understood and loved widely and for the ages.
Jesus' request for remembrance when sharing this meal is surely intended to comfort this devoted gathering after he would be 'gone'. But he wants to be clear that the sacrifice of his life is also for their spiritual nourishment and development. The blood of Jesus as that of the Passover lamb would inspire the disciples to forsake the rules of the world they knew for the new order of the Kingdom of God that Jesus described. Jesus the man would die, but his Spirit is the eternal Christ who was, is, and will be. So he is not gone at all. Understanding his transcendent spirit and on-going restorative nature is remembering Jesus.
Dear God, like the disciples, we don't know our future or even fully understand the present. By remembering Jesus, we are inspired to seek your presence, which is what's really important. Thank you for the life and sacrifice of Jesus which leads us to you. Amen.
Jane McGuire
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