The Last Supper
Scripture: Matthew 26:20-30 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)
20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?” 23 He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” 25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.” 26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” 30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:20–30 NLT)
There are two themes in these eleven verses: Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, and Jesus initiating the New Covenant between God and his people in his body and his blood. Most devotionals I’ve read (and many that I’ve written) focus on words of inspiration or encouragement. This year we’re looking at what the scripture is saying to us about how we can follow Jesus more closely and become more like our Master, so buckle up!
Jesus dipped the bread into the dish and handed it to Judas, knowing that in a few minutes Judas would leave the table to betray him to the chief priests who would have him arrested and put to death. Jesus blessed the bread and passed it to Peter, knowing that before dawn, Peter would deny three times that he even knew him. Jesus shared the cup with the others knowing they would desert him and scatter that terrible night!
I thought about my attitude toward people who disappoint me, let me down, treat me badly. I long to be as grace-filled as Jesus! It’s going to take some serious heart change, but I’m not giving up! How about you?
Prayer:
Father, Things like this remind me of how gracious Jesus is toward me and people like me! Please help me to become more like my Master, full of grace and truth! For the Kingdom’s Sake! Amen!