And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Luke 22:19
Dear Church and Friends,
Today is the day during our observance of the passion when the Last Supper is celebrated. The passage is from Luke’s gospel and I have chosen two verses for our meditation. Christmas is all about gift giving because God gave his Son who was born in a manger. However, the greatest gift giving is found here in Luke’s telling of the Supper.
In verse 19 he uses the word gave twice and given once.
- And he took bread and gave thanks. This giving of thanks was for the bread but can’t you imagine that Jesus was thanking God for the giving of himself on the cross. The great moment of redemption had come.
- And gave to them. The first giving was directed to the Father, this giving is to the disciples. How symbolic this must have been for the savior. He knew what the bread meant as he passed it to his men.
- This is my body which is given for you. It is so much more than a piece of bread. It represents eternal value. It is a gift, something the church could never do for itself.
He follows the same pattern in verse 20. The words “Likewise also the cup” tell us that he took the cup, gave thanks for it and gave it to the disciples. He then uses similar language “which is shed for you.” No, I don’t think Christmas has anything on Easter when it comes to giving. What wondrous gifts!
Music: Bob Kauflin leading the Shepherd’s Conference in My Savior’s Love.
News: “Thank you so much for your recent participation in the Bottles for Babies campaign for Elizabeth’s New Life Center! Creek Road Baptist Church’s generosity raised $549.75, which thus far has saved 1 baby! That is no small thing…that is amazing! Thanks again for your support and generosity! thanks!!”
In Christ, Lara Gigandet. Development Officer, Elizabeth New Life Center
Prayer: Please pray for our North American Mission Board missionary, Brian DeCann in Newport, Ky.
- Brian DeCann. A law enforcement chaplain serving through Shepherd Patrol Ministries in Kentucky. “The Lord has provided a used van for the ministry. We are looking for a chance to provide ministry to other police departments in our area. Please pray that God will guide us.”
- Mollie Teegarden. She is having a hard time adjusting to the change from the corona virus shutdown.
- Families lost power. Last night’s storms cut power to many homes. We don’t need tragedy on top of so much uncertainty. Please pray for those who are affected.
Poetry: Before Second and Third by Edmond.
Catechism: The Principles of the Christian Religion.
- Question 58: What is the first main benefit which we gain by receiving Christ?
- Answer: Justification; whereby, in Christ we receive the forgiveness of our sins, and are accounted righteous being by that means freed from the guilt of sin and condemnation, and stated in a new interest unto everlasting life.
- Question 59: Whereby then must we look to be justified in the sight of God?
- Answer: Only by the merits of Christ Jesus, received of us by faith.
“All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.”
All my best.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Luke 22:20
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