Luke 22:14-23 (NRSV)
Read Luke 22:14-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. Verse 15He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; Verse 16for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Verse 17Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; Verse 18for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Verse 19Then he took a loaf of 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." Verse 20And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Verse 21But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. Verse 22For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!" Verse 23Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.
Devotion
Jesus sat at the table in that guest room with his ministry team. The team members sat close together and waited for their leader to bless the meal. Jesus began, "I have been looking forward to this Passover meal with you all." They had been through a lot together over the past three years, and he knew this would be the last chance he had to eat dinner together with his friends. Jesus wanted to mark this moment, so he raised a loaf of bread and gave thanks. He broke it, realizing that this group would never be as cohesive as it was at this time. He gave a piece of bread to each of his friends, saying, "Do this again, and remember me." He didn’t want them to forget their time together. He poured the dessert wine, telling them that this was a promise between them. "We are forever bonded now, in this new covenant." May we too be united in remembrance of this Jesus through the common cup and loaf of bread we share.
Prayer
Jesus, as we remember your table and the new covenant you established, continue to bring us together through this meal. Amen.