The New Covenant

Mark 14:22-25 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.”
 
MAY this scripture help you to more fully understand God’s deep love for your soul. Note carefully Jesus’ words to begin this Last Supper as recorded in Luke 22:15 I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. He is eager – enthusiastic, impatient, passionate – to eat with his disciples. He knows this is the beginning of the new covenant of blood for the salvation of all who believe. His words and his actions reveal the Way to Life. Through the Son, the Father is opening the door for mankind to receive eternal life.
   That’s why the Last Supper is called communion. When Jesus broke the bread he said, “This is my body.” His body was broken on the cross for his disciples with him that night. His body was also broken for all his disciples until his second coming. Then with the cup of wine in hand he promised, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”  Note this promise isn’t for all people. It is for many. The many, again, are those who are his disciples who confess and believe, “Jesus is my Lord and Savior, risen from the dead.” Jesus’ very personal sacrifice is a promise only to those who promise to follow him in faith.
   Jesus’ words and actions that night were very similar to a Jewish engagement ceremony. The groom to be would raise his glass of wine to his bride and commit his life to hers.
   Jesus broke the bread, and he raised the cup. Then he said, “This is for you.” Will you grasp the promise to receive his great payment for your sin? Receive Jesus and live in joy! The Lord Jesus is offering to commune with you in the unity of your faith in God: Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
   The God of creation has offered his very essence to you, so you will commune with him forever.