Thursday was the last day Jesus would spend with his disciples before the cross. It was the day of Passover, the time when Israel remembered God’s faithfulness in delivering them from slavery in Egypt. Jesus had his disciples make the necessary preparations. During their Passover celebration, he gave a new significance to the simple elements of the bread and the cup.

Matthew 26:26-29
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

At the meal, Jesus told his disciples that he would not be with them much longer, but he left a way for them to remember him. This act was neither elaborate nor expensive. He simply took bread and said, “This is my body.” Then he took the cup and said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” He told them to eat and drink in remembrance of him. Paul tells us that every time we celebrate communion by taking the bread and the cup, we proclaim Christ’s work for us on the cross until he comes again.

But … they quickly forgot. After the meal, Jesus walked with his disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. And there, in the garden, in the middle of the night, carrying a money bag heavy with thirty pieces of silver, Judas found them. Followed by Jewish leaders and 300 Roman soldiers, Judas identified Jesus with a kiss.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your willingness to go to the cross on my behalf. Thank you that you gave your life for the forgiveness of my sins. In your name. Amen.