Not Me!

By Danny Saavedra

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”—Matthew 26:26–30 (NIV)

Did you know the Passover celebration is arguably the most significant season of the year for the Jewish people, both in Jesus’ day and today? It’s the celebration and remembrance of Israel’s exodus from Egypt when God rescued His people from Pharaoh’s hand.

Can you imagine what it was like in the upper room that night? Imagine having Jesus lead the Passover Seder—no one could tell the story better than Jesus! Imagine hearing Jesus explain how each part of the feast told the story of God’s ultimate redemption and deliverance, which He was about to live out only a few hours later.

Here’s something interesting: The word used for feast is miqra, which also means “a rehearsal.” The other word is mo’ed, which means “an appointed time; a fixed time; an exact time.” What an amazing picture! Just at the right time, God sent Moses to deliver His people, and “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son . . . to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4–5 ESV). Do you see it? The Passover was a rehearsal to be celebrated every year, until, at the exact appointed time, the true fulfillment would come.

After 1,500 years of Passover celebrations, with the symbols of unleavened bread, wine, and a slain, unblemished lamb, the hour had come. No more rehearsals, for the Passover had become a reality! The night known as the Last Supper is when Jesus and His disciples celebrated the last Passover feast. In that upper room, Jesus took the wine, which represented the blood of the Passover Lamb, and said, “This is my blood . . . which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28 ESV), the blood that would be spilled for our redemption! And He broke the unleavened bread, a symbol of sinlessness, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you” (Luke 22:19 NLT), which was broken, beaten, and bore the gruesome debt of our sins. For more on the Passover Seder’s symbology, check out this article.

Then, after explaining all of this to them, He says, “I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” The Pulpit Commentary explains, “Our Lord here refers to the time of the regeneration of all things when the heavenly kingdom shall appear in the fullness of its glory.” The day He’s referring to is the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

I pray that every time we take communion, we remember what Jesus did to bring us into a new life of freedom in His eternal kingdom, and just as Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn afterward, we’d also look forward with praise and thanksgiving to the moment we get to enjoy the fruit of the vine with Jesus in His glorious kingdom!

One last word: The hymn Jesus and the disciples sang was Psalm 118. Here are some of the verses contained in this psalm:

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (verse 26 NIV). These are the same words spoken over Jesus just a few days prior as He rode into Jerusalem to be our Passover Lamb.

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad” (verses 22–24 NIV).” These are prophetic words about His rejection, death, and resurrection which the Lord did that very day!

And finally, the bookends of this Psalm (verses 1 and 29 NIV): “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” This is what we do every time we take the Lord’s Supper!

Pause: Why did Jesus instruct us to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19 NIV)?

Practice: Communion can be done at any time. If you feel led, this week, do communion on your own. All you need is bread, grape juice, a heart of reflection, and thanksgiving!

Pray: Jesus, thank You for being the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Thank You for giving Your life for me. Thank You for covering my sins with Your blood so I may be called a child of God! And thank You for the hope of future glory, where I may partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb with You! Amen.