How Could We Not Love Him Back? Matthew 26:26-30 NLT

So much packed in these few verses. We could discuss whether Judas was still in the room at this point, as some believe. We could debate if this was the actual Passover dinner or the night before, that's discussed among scholars. We could discuss whether or not the wine and the bread are symbolic or actually transform into the body and blood of Christ when we celebrate communion as some believe. We could examine how often we should take communion and the ramifications of it spiritually. 

These are all subjects I thought of or read about the last two days as I studied this passage. One aspect jumped out at me though and that's what I want to share with you. 

This final Passover meal Jesus partook in, this first communion event are one in the same. Where Passover ended, communion began. Our communion with Him is only a sacrifice away, the sacrifice of our own selfish desires for desires of the One who loves us enough to die for us. The One who willingly died in our place. 

There is no mention of the lamb that traditionally accompanied the Passover dinner because Jesus is the Passover lamb. He was sacrificed for OUR sins and the sins of all the world. His blood, spilled out at the cross, now covers our sins. At the first passover, the lambs blood covered the door posts in Egypt so death would passover the homes of the captive Jews and save their first born. Because of His blood, death will "passover" us. With our physical death comes our eternal life. 

His body would soon be tortured beyond recognition, broken as the leavened  bread was, a reminder of the Jews hasty departure from Egypt. He was tortured for our sins, broken in our place. 

His "shame" would happen outside the city walls, just as the carcass of the lamb, discarded for the wolves to ravage. 

Such a picture of sacrifice, such a picture of love. How could we not love Him back? 

Matthew 26:26-30 NLT 

26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then He broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is My body.” 

27 And He took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it,  28 for this is My blood, which confirms the covenant between God and His people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.  29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.” 

30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Blessings, Cecilia