Matthew 26:26-35 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 26:26-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 26While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." Verse 27Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; Verse 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Verse 29I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." Verse 30When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Verse 31Then Jesus said to them, "You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' Verse 32But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee." Verse 33Peter said to him, "Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you." Verse 34Jesus said to him, "Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." Verse 35Peter said to him, "Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you." And so said all the disciples.
Devotion
Who do you invite to special meals or events? On this night, Jesus gathered with his friends to celebrate Passover. His last meal on earth was spent with his closest friends. When I think of some of the happiest times in my life they are those meals and evenings when my tiny apartment is filled to bursting with the people I love.
Recently I have noticed that while we enjoy the company of one another my celebration is mixed with a twinge of sadness as I realize that as the end of the school year approaches we (like the sheep of the flock in this text) will be scattered all over the world. Yet this text reminds me that at the feast, which we celebrate every week, we are united as saints and as deserters, as long time friends and new friends. Thanks be to God we can gather at the table where we ALL are invited to be united.
Prayer
Gracious and merciful God, in this holy feast you have given us, grant that we, who are scattered around the world may know the strength of our unity through Jesus Christ and enter the fullness of his life and love. Amen.