Day 82

August 14
Mark 14:22-25

We have heard this story a gazillion times. When we hear Jesus tell the disciples about His body and His blood, we understand that it represents the sacrifice He made for us. But the disciples didn't really know everything yet. Yes, Jesus had tried to warn them, but they didn't know all the events that were about to take place....because the events hadn't happened yet! So, I wonder if it seemed a little strange to them when Jesus started comparing their dinner to His body and blood. I, personally, may have been a little grossed out. But, the bible doesn't mention any gagging, so I guess they understood more than I give them credit for. Anyway, on a more serious note... Jesus and the disciples were eating their Passover supper with the traditional cup and bread. The Jews celebrated passover every year in remembrance of being freed from Egypt. (You can read about the first Passover in Exodus 12.) Now the bread and the cup not only celebrates the Jews deliverance from slavery, but also our deliverance from the slavery of sin. In the first Passover, a lamb had to be killed. When Jesus was crucified, He became our Passover lamb and He replaced the old covenant with the new one. "And he said to them, 'This is my blood which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.'" (vs 24 NLT)

Principle: The broken body and poured out blood of Jesus cleanses me from all my sins.

Application:
1. Have I accepted the broken body and shed blood of Christ as the covering for my sin and thanked Him for it?
2. What can I do to understand better the significance of the Lord's Supper?
3. With whom will I share the good news of the new covenant this week?