Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

The Lord's Supper
Read Mark 14:12-31

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. Mark 14:22-24

The Lord Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover Lamb. The Lord Himself was the Passover Lamb (John 1:29) and all the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who was King but also a suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) were about to be fulfilled in Him.

It was an unimaginably sorrowful evening for the Saviour. The agonies of the cross lay ahead of Him. One of the 12 men who had shared His life was now going to betray Him. All of them would fall away (v 27) and Peter would disown the Saviour three times (v 30).

The evening was also part of the most important week in the life of the Lord Jesus, and for us His church. Inscrutably resolute in His mission, the Lord Jesus gives thanks for the bread and wine (vs 22-23) and declares the new covenant sealed by His blood (v 24). The disciples would only understand after all the events had unfolded and after the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of the Lord. Jesus spoke about His resurrection but a befuddled Peter reacted in rash bravado. (vs 29, 31).

Let us partake of the Lord's Supper with sobriety and reverent awe. Guard against carelessness and frivolity. But don't forget the joy. Unmistakable joy! The Saviour has died and risen again for me. My sins are forgiven. I am my Lord's and He is mine.

Lord, forgive me for the times I've come to Your Table carelessly. Please renew a right spirit within me and enable me to partake with sobriety, reverent awe and joy.