Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Listen to the Word

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table."  (Luke 22:20-21)

When Jesus initiated the Lord’s Supper with his disciples, he knew he was about to die. And he knew that his death was going to facilitate a new connection between God and sinful people – a new covenant. He also knew that the earthly reason for his death was that Judas, one of his own disciples, had already arranged to turn him in to the authorities. And Judas was at the table with him.

Jesus shared the Lord’s Supper with Judas. Does that astound you like it does me? Jesus handed bread to his betrayer and said, “This is my body, given for YOU.” Jesus passed a cup to the turncoat who had ratted him out for thirty pieces of silver and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for YOU.”

Jesus loves you when you are following the rules and treating people with kindness and setting attendance records at church. He also loves you when you bail on him, rebel against him, and betray him. His body was given for YOU. His blood was poured out for YOU.

Live the Word

Spend a moment confessing your sin to Jesus, and thank him for loving you in spite of that sin.