“And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many” (Mark 14:23-24).
Jesus, the One who possesses the future, gives us His last will as the Messiah before His crucifixion. “This is my blood, poured out for many.” “Drink this and my life is yours,” Jesus is saying. He is taking our death that we deserve so that we may have His life. He who is life, is giving us His life. As many as partake, He gives us the power of His life so that we may live. He is the tree of life. All who partake of Him will live.
Almighty Father, I know that the church has made a ritual of this, but it is so much more. It gets to the heart of what You are doing for all who believe. Yes, we receive it in the ritual of the church, but this is personal, between me and Thee. Lead me out of the selfish heart that just goes through the motions to realize, at least in part, that You are creating in me the very image of Jesus my Savior.
Lord Jesus, in a lifetime of participating in this ritual, I still find great mystery in all that this means. Help me to move beyond my limited thinking to realize that You are doing so much more, not only in this, but in all my life. Guide me to learn how to be faithful and trust You above all things. You alone are my Lord and Savior. Lead me to follow You always. Amen.
