When He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24,25
Today is Maundy Thursday.
The name comes from the Latin word mandatum, the first word in John 13:34, “A new commandment (Mandatum novum) I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” This commandment was given by the Jesus on the Thursday before his crucifixion.
In the Upper Room, Jesus humbly washes His Disciples feet. He is making them clean.
Then Jesus serves and His Disciples eat the Last Supper together. The Passover Lamb is being prepared and a new Covenant being made.
One of His Twelve Disciples will betray Him, Jesus says. Each one asks, “Is it I, Lord?” When Judas asks, Jesus replies, “You have said it.”
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
As we partake in the LORD’S Supper, we remember and believe that Jesus made a complete sacrifice for all of our sins.
How precious a time of commemoration for those who believe in the atoning sacrifice, of Jesus the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world.
After they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus predicts Peter’s denial of Him. Peter disagrees. Jesus’ words are truth.
Now in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus waits for His betrayer. Jesus is arrested and taken for trial in the wee hours of the night. He is charged guilty as the Chief Priests and Sanhedrin watch on with glee.
Our LORD handles Himself with dignity, but He knows what is to come.
Tomorrow is Good Friday.
For a full account of the events of this day, see Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12–72, Luke 22:7–71, John 13:1–18:27.)