Poured Out

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April 13
Matthew 26:26–29

“Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Illustration by Gustave Doré

The Passover was a special meal for all Jews, especially for Jesus and his disciples. Jesus gathered his disciples together for what would be their last Passover together. The meal begins as it normally does, but then Jesus does something rather odd. He picks up the bread and breaks it as was custom and says, “Take, eat; this is my body.” He continues, picking up the wine, a drink all Jews would have at their Passover meal. But it’s not just wine. Jesus says, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” No one had done this before. Jesus had just redefined the Passover meal, a meal Jews had been participating in for over 1,000 years. But Jesus also knew what he was about to do would change history forever.

Over and over again during Lent we’ve focused on the suffering of Christ. As he shared with his disciples, his broken body and spilled blood brought forgiveness of sin for many. Tomorrow is Good Friday, the day of Christ’s crucifixion and death. As we approach Good Friday, let us meditate on the cross of Christ. Let us look to him and remember what our sin cost him. Let us remember his sacrifice and obedience brought us forgiveness of sin and life. The next time we take communion, let us remember the cost of his sacrifice. Jesus was broken for us. His blood was poured out for us.

Reflection

  1. The last time you took communion, how did you reflect on Jesus and his sacrifice for us? Did you nonchalantly take the elements or did you reflect on Jesus?
  2. Reflect on the death of Jesus. Spend some time visually thinking about his humiliation, scourging, crucifixion, and death. As you do so, try to imagine what Jesus experienced.
  3. Thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus. Think specifically about wh at Christ’s death has done for you.