The Last Meal

 Luke 22:17-23

“17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” 23 Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.”

Jesus and His disciples shared their last meal, the meal we now observe as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper.  After sharing the cup, Christ revealed that someone at the table would betray Him.

Even during the most sacred of times, even when we feel the presence of God the most, evil and temptation still reside with us.  We may not recognize it.  We may not admit it.  But it is there, in our hearts, showing us our great need for a savior. 

The new covenant of Christ is a covenant written on our hearts.  But even in our faith we are still weak.  We are still a people in need of forgiveness, of second chances, of unlimited, unconditional, unmerited love.

The sacrifice on the cross gave us those things.

“But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)