Mark 14: 12, 22-25
“And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
“And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
A few years ago, I was in Kenya, Africa on a mission trip. I went with a group of college students to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we had a great time being able to adventure out into new territories. I remember one night we were able to eat dinner at one of the family’s houses from the church. The entire night was trying new things and pushing past moments that were uncomfortable because of different cultures. However, the night was so sweet because we were able to sit around a table with people who looked different from us, but we all called the same Jesus, Lord and Savior. We were able to take the Lord’s Supper together.
In the Old Testament, the Passover celebration was done in obedience to God. Every element had a symbolic meaning. The bitter herbs symbolized the bitterness of slavery. The saltwater recalled the tears under Egypt’s oppression. The lamb symbolized the greatest element of all, Jesus to come, which was the sin-bearing sacrifice that allowed the judgment of God to pass over the household. Now, Jesus has brought the new covenant with Him, which is Himself and has always been. The bread represents His body that was broken for all people – for all sin. The juice represents His blood that was shed on the cross for the sins of all people – ALL people. This is the story of redemption, Jesus Christ.
That night in Kenya was a beautiful representation of how all believers, no matter what culture, color, language, or social class can come together to worship Jesus. The same King Jesus extended redemption to each one of us through His body and blood. I love verse twenty-five how Jesus will not drink again of the cup until His people join Him at His table in the new Kingdom of God. Praise Jesus for His death, burial, and resurrection today and every day. Much love, fam.
- How have you experienced Christian community across cultural barriers? How has it stretched your understanding of the family of faith?
- When you look at your own life, what items might you include in a meal that would represent the experiences that have impacted you and your faith?
