Scripture Reading: Mark 14:12-26
http://www.esvbible.org/Mark+14/
The Last Supper between Jesus and his disciples is perhaps one of the most powerful moments we have of them in Scripture. They were preparing to eat the Passover meal together. This meal was more than just a meal, it was a reminder of God’s power and salvation. Israel’s story began as an enslaved people, trapped under Pharaoh’s tyrannical rule in Egypt for more than 400 years. The people cried out for a savior, God heard their cry and answered. He sent Moses accompanied with 10 plagues to demonstrate his power to Pharaoh and deliver his people. The tenth plague required the death of the firstborn child throughout all of Egypt. This was a devastating plague that Israel was saved from if they sacrificed a lamb and covered their doorposts with its blood. Israel was saved from God’s wrath by the blood of a lamb, and because of this final plague Israel was delivered from their bondage.
The Last Supper is a powerful meal, because as Jesus and his disciples enjoyed the Passover meal, celebrating the power and salvation of God together, Jesus was at the same time instituting a new, greater meal – the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a meal that perfectly fulfills the Passover meal, for it represents the greatest demonstration of God’s power and the final deliverance of his people from far greater enemies than Pharaoh. Like the Passover event in Exodus, soon a lamb would be sacrificed and God’s people would be saved by its blood, but unlike the Exodus event, this time the lamb was the Son of God and with his blood God’s people are delivered from his wrath and their bondage forever! The Last Supper is indeed powerful, and as Jesus broke the bread and poured the wine that evening with his disciples he knew that he was instituting the greatest meal that you or I would ever taste!
As you meditate on this passage, remember the power and salvation of our God. Remember the bondage he has delivered you from, and the bondage/sin he promises to continue to deliver you from. By the blood of our Lamb, King Jesus, we have been set free to enjoy God forever!
Prayer: Father, thank you for calling us to feast at your table by the blood of your Son. Thank you for delivering us from our bondage, and redeeming us so that we could enjoy you forever.
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