What are the most significant memories you have?

There are moments in life that take on deeper meaning over time.

At the time, they may seem important or not, but it’s only later—after everything unfolds—that you begin to understand just how significant they were.

That is what is happening for the disciples on this night.

They are gathered with Jesus to celebrate the Passover, a meal they had known since childhood. It was a reminder of how God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. Every part of the meal pointed back to that moment of rescue and salvation.

But this time, something changes.

Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks, and breaks it. Then He gives it to them with words they have never heard before. He does the same with the cup.

In that moment, He connects this familiar meal to something entirely new.

The disciples don’t yet understand what He means. How could they? The cross is still ahead of them. The suffering, the death, and the resurrection have not yet taken place. They are receiving something for which the meaning will only become clear in the days to come.

But Jesus knows exactly what He is doing.

He is preparing them for what is about to happen, and He is also giving them something they will continue to receive after it happens.

Because this is not just a meal for that night.

It is a gift for His people.

In it, Jesus gives the very thing He is about to accomplish on the cross. He gives His body and His blood for the forgiveness of sins. This is not simply a reminder of what He will do. It is His way of delivering that forgiveness to His people over and over again.

And He gives it personally.

He does not say, “given for many” in a distant or abstract way. He gives it to those sitting at the table. And through His Word, He gives it to you.

That is what makes this moment so powerful.

Jesus does not wait for His disciples to fully understand. He does not wait for them to prove themselves. He gives them what they need, knowing what lies ahead.

You may not completely understand how Jesus gives us His body and blood in the bread and wine. I don’t think any of us do. He doesn’t wait for you to prove yourself, just be repentant and believe. He then gives you exactly what you need. 

• Forgiveness.
• Life.
• Salvation.

All of it comes from Him, not just as a remembrance, but as a gift right then. If you ever wonder whether you are forgiven, ask yourself, “Did I tasted the bread and drink the wine?” God gave you forgiveness when you did.

As Holy Week continues, we move closer to the cross, where Jesus will accomplish everything necessary for our salvation. But here, before that moment arrives, He is already placing its benefits into the hands of His people.

That is still what He does.

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your Son, who gives us His body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Help us to receive this gift with faith and to trust in what Jesus has done for us. Strengthen us through His grace and keep us in that forgiveness.

Amen.

As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:

• Your family
• Your local church
• Your pastor
• Some of your fellow church members
• The people on your B.L.E.S.S. list
• Your country and her leaders
• Your community

After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.