In Luke 22:15, Jesus says, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you.” These are the words of Jesus that he spoke to the twelve disciples in the upper room on the night that he was betrayed. He had eaten with these same twelve men everyday for over three years, and yet on this occasion, He is telling them that He has been looking forward to it and is eager for this particular meal. “WHY?”
He already knew that Judas would betray him. He knew Peter would deny him. He knew all the others would fall away and be scattered. Yet he was eager. He knew that on this very night He was going to give to all mankind throughout the ages, the cure for betrayal, denial, and falling away. In simply words, He was announcing a cure for SIN. Jesus knew that we were all going to fall short and sin, and He left us a way to grasp the cure. As He took the Cup, He said, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 28:28)
Please notice the word He used… “testament” which is also interrupted “covenant”. This meal is covenant related, as we partake each week. It is a covenant renewal. That is why we are told in Hebrews 10:25-29 that it is a sin to “willfully” forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Because when we don’t renew the covenant, we break the covenant, and count the blood of the covenant an unholy thing.
Also, notice the words “for the remission of sins.” The same sentence structure in the Greek is used in Acts 2:38. We all believe that the sins of a repentant sinner are washed way at the time of baptism. Why then wouldn’t we equally believe that after close self-examination of the repentant believer, when sins are washed away at the time of communion (1 John 1:7 - and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin - KJV)?
Today, let us carefully examine ourselves, ask for forgiveness for our going astray and know that Jesus still eagerly desires for you to eat of the bread (representative of His body) and drink of the cup (representative of His blood).
PRAYER: Dear God, today even though we are gathered together physically, we are gather together as brothers and sisters in Christ spiritually to remember the extraordinary sacrifice You made in sending Jesus, that we may have a redeemer of reconciliation. We thank You for His legacy in words, actions and obedience to suffering on the cross. Lord, we come to You now to ask for forgiveness for any thoughts, words or deeds that have not honored Your name. We are also truly sorry for the times we have chosen to live selfishly rather than to heed Your calling. We invite you to inhabit our hearts now as we take communion. As we share this meal, come bind us together as one family, filled with Your love. Thank You Lord for Your grace that is at work in our lives. Amen.