Mark 14:22-26: a reflection

22As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed it, he broke it and gave to them, and said, “Take, eat. This is my body.” 23He took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them. They all drank of it. 24He said to them, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. 25Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in God’s Kingdom.” 26When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

On the night before he died, as they were eating the Passover, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples: Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. In this simple meal, Jesus gave his disciples a way to remember and receive what he was about to do: his body given, his blood poured out, for them.

Notice what Jesus gives in this supper: himself, his body and his blood, given and poured out for many. The bread and the cup speak of his death, his body broken and his blood shed, the establishing of a new covenant in his blood. And he gives these to his disciples to take, to eat and drink, to receive; not merely to observe his death from a distance, but to partake of it, to make it their own. In the supper, they receive what he gives: himself, offered for them.

That supper is given to us still, as a way to remember and receive what Christ has done. When we come to the Lord's table, we remember that his body was broken and his blood poured out for us, for the forgiveness of sins, in the new covenant; and we receive, with gratitude and faith, the one who gave himself for us. Do not let the remembrance of Christ's death become distant or routine. Come to the table, and to Christ himself, to remember with gratitude that his body was given and his blood poured out for you; and receive, by faith, the Savior who offered himself for your sake. This is his body, given for you; this is his blood, poured out for you. Take, and receive with thankfulness the Christ who gave himself for you.

Lord Jesus, on the night before you died, you took bread and gave it to your disciples, saying, this is my body; and you took the cup, saying, this is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many; you gave them a way to remember and receive what you were about to do, your body given and your blood poured out for them. Thank you that this supper is given to me still. When I come to your table, I remember that your body was broken and your blood poured out for me, for the forgiveness of sins, in the new covenant; and I receive, with gratitude and faith, the one who gave himself for me. Keep the remembrance of your death from becoming distant or routine. Help me come to the table, and to you yourself, to remember with gratitude that your body was given and your blood poured out for me; and to receive, by faith, the Savior who offered himself for my sake. This is your body, given for me; this is your blood, poured out for me. Help me take, and receive with thankfulness, the Christ who gave himself for me.