“Take, Eat; This Is My Body.”

When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not have been born.” Judas who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”

While 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.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I 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.”

When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Matthew 26:20-30

Christmas isn’t the time of year when our thoughts naturally turn to the Last Supper – the Passover. But that particular Passover is critical to Christmas. After breaking bread and giving it to His disciples He broke away from tradition. Breaking bread was normal, but adding “this is my body” was a striking departure from the familiar liturgy. The disciples must have been bewildered. Later the meaning became clear. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means “house of Bread.”

The prophet Micah indicated that One born in Bethlehem would rule over Israel. But not until Jesus came did anyone realize the uniqueness of this Kingdom. Christ’s rule would not be imposed upon anyone; it would be imparted to those who accepted this new citizenship.

As we sing of Bethlehem’s manger, remember that the heaven-sent infant King came so that we might “eat this bread” and partake of his divine nature.

Only Christ the Living Bread can satisfy our spiritual hunger.

Our Daily Bread – December 7, 2008