17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. - (Luke 22:1—19) (NLT)
Some of our most memorable conversations take place at a table sharing a meal with others. Jesus gave his disciples a meal the world would never forget. He gave them and all his followers promises we can continually benefit from.
First, we can look back. God loves it when we look back at Jesus. Looking back helps us see how He came to offer everything for our sin. He gave his whole life and body as a sacrifice. The last supper is a place to look back and soak in the magnificence of God’s love for us.
Second, we can look forward. As we contemplate the Lord’s Supper, and see it historically, it renews supernaturally. It also reminds us of our faithfulness to Jesus in the present. Christ-followers know there is a kingdom coming (v. 15, 18), and look forward with hope and passionate obedience.
Pause and Reflect
- Since His precious blood and death give us full forgiveness, how can you look back with gratitude at what Jesus did for you?
- As we look forward, in what ways can the sacrifice of Jesus, produce future hope? Greater obedience? Greater joy?
