Maundy Thursday

Today's Scripture

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thank & broke it, & gave it to His disciples saying, "Take it; this is My body." Then He took the cup, gave thanks & offered it to them, & they all drank from it. "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," He said to them. (Mark 14:23-24)  Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people & said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words."  (Exodus 24:8)

Body & Blood

Blood was a vital part of Old Testament worship. Moses was commanded that the blood of animals that had been sacrificied was to be sprinkled on the people. This blood provided forgiveness of sins. It was a bloody, messy affair.

The Words of Institution, quoted from St. Mark's gospel, signify that Christ's body & blood are in, with, & under the bread & wine of the Lord's Supper. It's not a messy, but it washes us of our messy sins & makes us righteous in the sight of God.

We also remember the brutality of Jesus' crucifixion. It was a bloody, messy affair.

I'm guessing that most of us will unable to partake in Holy Communion today. The time for social distancing will be over, hopefully, sooner than later, & we will be able to partake again in the Holy Supper. Our God has provided Word & Sacraments for His people to receive forgiveness & life eternal with Him & all the saints.

Today's Prayer

ThankYou, Jesus, for Your most holy body & blood, shed for us for the remission of our sins. May we be blessed by our participation in Word & Sacrament, & may we partake of Your Holy Sacrament as often as we can, so that we can receive the promises therein. Amen.

NOTE:  During Holy Week I am publishing devotions instead of my usual blog subjects. My prayer is that these devotions would glorify God & edify those who read them.