The Body and Blood of Christ

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Body and Blood of Christ

Date: Mar. 21, 2016

Passage

Matthew 26:17-30 (ESV)

17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”

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

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 26:28

for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

First, our Lord's appointed time was near (17-25). The events leading up to the death of our Lord Jesus on the cross all occurred according to the foreknowledge and plan of God. When the disciples went to find the room, Jesus told them to tell a certain man that his time was near. It meant that things were happening according to God's schedule. Jesus also knew that he would be betrayed and by whom. It was no surprise to our Lord. And then, Jesus said that the Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. Evil men were at work, but it was God's plan that was unfolding.

Second, the blood of the new covenant (26-30). Jesus gave the Passover meal an entirely new meaning. Now when the disciples broke and ate the bread, they would remember how Jesus gave his body on the cross for them. As they drank the wine, they would remember the covenant that was sealed by his blood: "Whoever believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life." Because Christ's blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins, we can have the hope of heaven in our hearts. Jesus said, "I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for sacrificing your body and shedding your blood for the forgiveness of my sins.

One Word: His blood was poured out for us

Jacob and Rebekah Deceive Isaac

Genesis 27:1-29

Key Verse: 27:19

Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”

Today's Question

How is the word to be read and heard in order to become effective for salvation?

See answer and references