Ultimate Thanks
“While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My father’s kingdom.’
“After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the Shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.’” Matthew 26:26-32
I sometimes wonder what the disciples were thinking when Jesus told them something that did not seem to make sense…like here. They are all enjoying their annual Passover meal, then Jesus shares this grim news. I’m certain they were aware that things were getting difficult in Jerusalem, but what was He talking about?
In the first place, Jewish law forbade even touching blood, let alone drinking it (Leviticus 5:2-3, 11), even touching a woman while she was menstruating was forbidden. Yet, here Jesus tells them to imagine they are eating His flesh and drinking His blood! They had seen Him heal the sick, the lame, the blind, even raise the dead. It just did not make sense. I know I would have been too confused to raise my hand and ask questions.
Yet, Jesus was clear about breaking bread, giving thanks and singing hymns of praise even though He knew every detail of what was ahead for Him. It is a reminder to me, that even when I am completely confused by a situation in my life, like now, I can trust God because He is working out His will in my life for my good and His glory and I should stop and thank Him every opportunity I get. That is enough for me to know.
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Take care with love, especially His, from Darlene, who still prays for you each day.
PS: You can also find the devotions on line/ on your mobile phone here: www.weakdaydevotion.com .
NOTES: I choose to believe the Bible because it's a reliable collection of historical documents written down by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They reported supernatural events that took place before, of specific prophecies; and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin.
The Five Solas: Individuals are saved by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone to the glory of God alone!
Find my full statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of Bible studies). For the books, go to Amazon books. For prayer requests/ updates, email: darlenerichard@gmail.com