Word@Work 171 - Mark 14:22-26
Published: Tue, 07/22/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:22-26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God." When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (NIV)
With the shadow of betrayal hanging over all of them, Jesus departed from the usual Passover words as He broke the bread. Instead of looking back 1500 years He pointed to the following day - when His body would be broken, and blood poured out. The familiarity of our communion service needs to take a step back as we re-hear the stunning words from Jesus: this broken bread ... His body: this poured out wine ... His blood. This was clearly to be a terminus for Him - the annual ritual of Passover was now over for Jesus, but He pointed to a greater future ahead.
In the same way that Old Testament covenants were marked with a meal, a new covenant is now set up at this supper. It was to be sealed by His blood. The covenant was, however, not just for the enjoyment of the twelve, but for 'many'. They were privileged to see its inauguration; but we are privileged (along with them and many others) to believe it is for us and to wait for its fulfilment. In the same way that the first Passover was fulfilled in the death of Christ, this last Supper will be fulfilled when He comes again.
It needs a little discipline to see past the familiar form of the communion service we are used to. It is not intended to be just a nice spiritual comfort blanket, but a potent and shocking reminder of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Although the work of the cross is complete in itself, its consequences, the huge Kingdom of grateful believers, is yet to be seen. And He intends that we should look forward to that day as much as He does.
Prayer: Father God. Keep me looking forward to that great day when the Kingdom is complete and Jesus takes His place as King. Thank you that beyond my sin and His cross; lies an eternity of love, joy and peace into which His blood has bound me, along with many others. Help me to live and speak of Christ so that my family and friends may be part of that great kingdom. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
With the shadow of betrayal hanging over all of them, Jesus departed from the usual Passover words as He broke the bread. Instead of looking back 1500 years He pointed to the following day - when His body would be broken, and blood poured out. The familiarity of our communion service needs to take a step back as we re-hear the stunning words from Jesus: this broken bread ... His body: this poured out wine ... His blood. This was clearly to be a terminus for Him - the annual ritual of Passover was now over for Jesus, but He pointed to a greater future ahead.
In the same way that Old Testament covenants were marked with a meal, a new covenant is now set up at this supper. It was to be sealed by His blood. The covenant was, however, not just for the enjoyment of the twelve, but for 'many'. They were privileged to see its inauguration; but we are privileged (along with them and many others) to believe it is for us and to wait for its fulfilment. In the same way that the first Passover was fulfilled in the death of Christ, this last Supper will be fulfilled when He comes again.
It needs a little discipline to see past the familiar form of the communion service we are used to. It is not intended to be just a nice spiritual comfort blanket, but a potent and shocking reminder of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Although the work of the cross is complete in itself, its consequences, the huge Kingdom of grateful believers, is yet to be seen. And He intends that we should look forward to that day as much as He does.
Prayer: Father God. Keep me looking forward to that great day when the Kingdom is complete and Jesus takes His place as King. Thank you that beyond my sin and His cross; lies an eternity of love, joy and peace into which His blood has bound me, along with many others. Help me to live and speak of Christ so that my family and friends may be part of that great kingdom. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W171 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on