Notes to the Lord: On A Meal To Remember

Matthew 26

20When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." 22They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"

Lord Jesus--You know what is going to happen before it reaches me. You know the twists and the turns in the road that is ahead of me. You knew what was ahead of each of your disciples. John tells me that you prayed for us during this last time of teaching before the end.

You promised that you are the advocate to the Father on the behalf of your people. Thank you for the words to the Father on my behalf.

23Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." 25Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."

Lord Jesus--Even as each hours passing brought you closer to the cross, you still took the time to warn Judas...to reach out to him one last time to change his chosen course.

26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

The pieces of this meal that you asked us to remember and rehearse until your return are such simple ordinary things. Bread and wine are parts of many dinners. And yet they took on such a different and lasting meaning as the time ticked away to the cross.

27Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

You chose to pour out your life as an offering to the Father. You could have chosen differently. The pouring was at your choice for a single purpose. There was mercy written all over your choice.

29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."

Still you are waiting for the celebration that all heaven is waiting for, when we will gather from the four winds and be brought to Our Father's House for the marriage feast of the Lamb.

Lord Jesus--Thank you for pouring out your life with intention at the direction of the Father.