A New Covenant

By James Hoffman

Matthew 26:26-39 (NASB95)

26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” 

Devotional

On Maundy Thursday we commemorate the last supper. This is a supper that is associated with the first day of Passover (see Mt 26:17). As such they are remembering the final plague on Egypt (see Ex 12) where the Israelites killed a lamb and put it’s blood over their doorposts so that the angel of death would pass over their houses.

Jesus chose this celebration very intentionally. He knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, and he chooses His words very carefully in today’s passage. He gives His disciples His body and His blood, which has been spilled for our sins. It is likely that the symbolism was not lost on the 11 (12 minus Judas who has already gone off to betray Jesus).

Jesus is here taking the place of the Passover lamb. The Lamb’s blood made death pass over for a night. Jesus’ blood makes death pass over for eternity. This is what we are being commanded to remember in communion! That death has passed over us now and forever more. It is not because we did enough good deeds, nor is it because we were judged righteous, but it is only because of the blood of Jesus by which guilty men can be made blameless.

Prayer

Lord, you were willing to give your own blood so that death might pass over us. We are guilty men, consumed with sin and rightfully face death. Despite this You were willing to establish a covenant with us, You were and are still willing to welcome wicked men into your kingdom. Lord rehabilitate us, guide us along the path of righteousness as we discover what it means to love and be loved by You. In the name of Jesus I ask these things, Amen.