I Corinthians 11:23-26
Jesus gathered with his disciples in the upper room the night
before his crucifixion, not as an act of secrecy, but a moment of initiation
that would be celebrated for centuries to come. Within hours, his closest
followers would betray him, the adoring crowds who welcomed him on Sunday would
call for his crucifixion, and the religious establishment would coerce the
government to kill him. The scriptures tell us that Jesus knew all of this
before it happened, and yet, he sits down with these traitorous men for a final
meal. What was this act of initiation that had to be observed?
Bread and wine...a simple meal, but here, in this upper room, it
becomes so much more. The blessing is offered, the bread is broken, and Jesus
says, “This is my body that is for you." Then he takes the cup and
says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood." Bread and
wine...body and blood; Jesus is establishing something new that will serve as a
marker for generations to come. With both elements of this supper, he tells his
disciples, "Do this in remembrance of me." This moment of initiation
establishes an observance that calls all who follow him to eat the bread and
drink the cup as an act of proclamation, a continuing witness to the sacrifice
of God's Son for the world.
Perhaps this evening in a Maundy Thursday service, like that
Thursday evening more than two thousand years ago, you will participate once
more in the proclamation of salvation. As you do this, take note that millions
before you have received and remembered that same loaf and cup. As you do this,
take note that twelve sinful men shared that bread and wine as you will do. As
you do this, take a quiet moment to note the words of Jesus..."For as often
as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he
comes."
Prayer: Bread of life, Wine of the new covenant, help us
remember and give thanks whenever we gather at your table. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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