1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the meal, he also took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Dear Lord Jesus,
The Old Testament offerings of animals pointed to the ultimate sacrifice you would give to us—you. The Passover was instituted as a remembrance meal for the Israelites. When you saved them in their exodus from Egypt, they were saved from their captures and Egypt’s bondage. It was also a promise, pointing to the day you would come to be the final atonement offering; you sacrificed your flesh for all the world’s sins. Through your death, you saved us from the bondage of our sins. This covenant was new because you fulfilled the old animal sacrifices that never forgave sins but pointed to your death. Your death on the cross brought forgiveness for every sin. We are assured of your forgiveness in this meal, and our faith is strengthened. You won our freedom and delivered it to us through the Holy Spirit by this means of your grace. You gave us this command and holy meal to remember the forgiveness you won for us. Lord, thank you for what you endured at our expense so that we have eternal life. You removed the sins that divided us from you; may this blessed meal give us the strength to live in faith according to your word. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Maundy Thursday is the day remembered as the day of the command. At Jesus’ final meal where he gave his last will and testament to his disciples. That night, he gave all he had—his body and blood—to save us from all our sins.