“BETTER THAN A PHOTO”
Luke 22:14-15, 19-20
And when the hour came, He reclined at table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. …” And He took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.”
Like many people, I have voicemails and videos I will never erase. They are the only way I will ever see or hear again the voice of people I love who have died. Until I, too, go to be with the Lord, they are all I have.
Dear reader: On the eve of His death, it seems to me that Jesus, too, felt this need to leave the people He loved something of Himself. Oh, He knew He would rise again, and also that He would be with them forever, even after His ascension to heaven—but it wouldn’t be the same as seeing and hearing and touching Him daily. So Jesus gave us Communion.
“This is My body,” He said, breaking the bread and giving it to them. “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” And they ate and drank, and were comforted. Jesus gives us many gifts through Communion—forgiveness, life, peace—but best of all is the gift of Himself. And we have that gift forever, until the day He returns to us bodily—and we go to live with Him forever.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your gift of love.
Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What keepsakes do you have of someone who loved you?
* How often do you go to Communion? Do you wish it was more often or less? Why?
* When you see Jesus face to face—what do you imagine your reaction will be?
Today’s Bible in a Year Reading:
Judges 1-3; Luke 12:32-59
Courtesy: Dr. Kari Vo.