For You

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day before Jesus is crucified.

Today is the day he finishes telling what he is about to do.  Today is the day he prays to his Father for strength for what is to come.

It is all downhill from here. Jesus is then betrayed, forgotten by his disciples, persecuted, and tried before the Israeli ruling class. Jesus suffered a painful death.

What happens on Good Friday – the bad stuff – happens so that we will benefit.

 Jesus died for us! Jesus died for you!

Today’s reading is Matthew 26:17-29, Matthew’s account of the Last Supper.

The Last Supper is not only Jesus’ last meal, but it is also his last earthly, face-to-face lesson with his disciples. Jesus tells us to “Take and eat; this is my body.”

We also know that Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:14). When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are ingesting the Word of God. And it is the Word of God that strengthens us and helps us with the inevitable trials we will face in this sinful world. 

The Lord’s Supper gives us strength.

 Jesus also tells us “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

 Jesus blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. No longer do we have to perfectly follow God’s Law. Jesus announced a new covenant. Our faith that Jesus died for our sins places us firmly in God’s Kingdom!

 We can wonder how Jesus is in the bread and wine we partake at the Lord’s Supper. We can also debate the symbolism of communion. Quite frankly, my human mind is incapable of fully appreciating what Jesus has done.

 However, one thing is clear.

 What Jesus did, he did for me. He did it for us.

 He did it for you!

Don't Be So Childish 1 Corinthians 11:17-26

My family is driving across the country moving from California to Wisconsin. Since we are moving with our four-year-old and dog, we planned some stops that both would enjoy. You know what they say about the best laid plans…

We approach the edge of the Grand Canyon, anticipating our son’s amazement and hear, “Can we go home now?” How frustrating! Evan, standing in front of one of God’s most amazing creations, did not appreciate the majesty before us.

Paul is confronted with a similar situation in today’s scripture. Informed that the Corinthian church does not appreciate the purpose of the Lord’s Supper, Paul is scolding them after, people come eating other food, getting drunk, and letting others go home hungry. Paul’s response is, “What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?”

When I look at the church today, I wonder if we ever mirror the Corinthians. Do we come to church with a purpose different than drinking from the cup of redemption that comes only through Jesus Christ? Do we add our own menu to the table of God? A menu that overshadows not only those who come to us in need, but God’s purpose of saving souls and changing lives.

As you go to your house of worship this Sunday, take time to ask yourself, “Why am I here?” If your
church is participating in Communion, clear your mind and give God every part of you. Let’s not act like a preschool child standing before the Grand Canyon wanting to go home, but let’s come as children of God who appreciate the miracle our salvation.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway 1 Corinthians 11:17-26