Jesus' Suffering, Death and ResurrectionSample

Jesus gives Himself for His followers

“And He took 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.’” (Luke 22:19)

Like all Jews, Jesus celebrated the Feast of Passover. This was a feast to remember the liberation of the people of Israel from Egypt, where they had lived as slaves centuries earlier. During the Passover feast, the people ate unleavened bread and drank wine. Jesus gives new meaning to these ancient symbols. He says He is the fulfillment of these rituals instituted by God Himself.

Jesus takes the bread broken into pieces as an example of His body that — very soon — will be given as a sacrifice. The wine He compares to His blood that will be shed. These are poignant words. And they become even more poignant with the addition “for you.” Jesus will suffer and die for His followers. His death has a purpose: to bring about eternal salvation for all who believe in Him.

In John 15:13, Jesus mentions His own death as the ultimate proof of His love: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Jesus spoke these words about 2,000 years ago. But they are still relevant today. If we accept Him in faith as our Savior, His death is also “for us.” His sacrifice is sufficient for all.

Do you believe Jesus' sacrifice was also “for you”?