Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Matthew 26:26-28 While 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." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
REDEEMER KING: FOR US (1)
Jesus did not look much like a king as He hung there on the cross. There were those who made fun of Him, suggesting that if He really were the Savior of His people, He would come down and fight for them. Still today some heap criticism on Him, accusing Him of failing to help mankind when help is needed. "Is He really there for us?" they ask.
We know that He is. On the cross He was fighting for us--fighting for us like nobody else could. He was giving Himself as an offering for our sin, preparing a place in heaven for us ready to be revealed at the last time. Greater love has no man than this.
The evening before He was raised up, He showed His disciples in no small way that He was indeed giving Himself into death for them and for their benefit. By sharing with them in a supernatural way His true body and blood through the Holy Supper, He was giving them the very instruments that made the payment for their sins. We might say that He was giving them the canceled check, showing them that their debt to God was paid in full. "You are forgiven," this special meal said to them.
How precious are the gifts of the holy meal!
Nothing like them is to be found.
Whatever else the world considers valuable
Is tasteless and vanity;
A child of God wishes to have this treasure
And says:
Ah, how hungers all my spirit
For the love I do not merit!
Oft have I, with sighs fast thronging,
Thought upon this food with longing,
In the battle well-nigh worsted,
For this cup of life have thirsted,
For the Friend who here invites us
And to God Himself unites us.
(Johann Sebastian Bach, Cantata 180)
