14When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.” 23They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
Meditation:
- The actions of the Lord’s Supper – taking, giving thanks, breaking, and giving – are actions that those who eat the meal receive from the Lord as gifts of grace. Communion is a memorial, a remembrance. It’s an experience as we return, through the bread and cup that represent the body and blood of Jesus, to the foot of the cross. In the communion service we are united with Christ through faith to share His death and His resurrection and to experience the awesome moment when our salvation was accomplished.
- What does sharing in Communion mean to you? What do you think about during communion?
- Prayer: Oh, Lord, forgive me for I have often neglected your word and didn’t obey your commands. When I participate in the communion, I was unmoved by your death. Thank you, Jesus, for your wonderful love. You paid a terrific price for my freedom.
Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: The Lord’s Supper (communion) is a central moment in Christian worship. Ask the family to tell what each knows about the Lord’s Supper’s meaning. Explain the meaning of “bread” and “cup”. Sing hymns about Jesus death and resurrection. Plan a time when the family can celebrate the supper together.
Prayer & Journaling: On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Proverbs for Today 8:32-36
32 “And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. 34 Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, 36 but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.”