November 04, 2022 – Friday
Still More on Forgiveness
Matthew 26:21-22 NIV
26 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.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
28 This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Comment
Most churches have communion at one time or another. Some almost every Sunday, some once a month, others once a quarter (every three months), and others also at special events or even multiple times a week. The verses we have above are the first communion between Jesus and His disciples shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. It is quoted or rather paraphrased by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where he wrote, 23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 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.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
What Paul left out is this, 28 This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I do not think Paul left that out as a matter of forgetfulness, but likely as a result of expecting people to know Jesus’ blood was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Taking communion can become an empty ritual if we forget or take it for granted forgetting the price paid by our creator for many for the forgiveness of sins. Paul was concerned about this and continued in his writing, 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
While Jesus said, 28 This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins, Paul adds this warning, 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. If you are unsaved this would not mean much to you, but if you have been saved by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, the last thing you would want is to be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
What does it mean to be one who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner? Paul gives a clue in verse 29, 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. What does it mean to be without discerning the body of Christ? Perhaps not having careful regard for the body (EXB) or does not recognize the meaning of the Lord’s body (GNT) or does not properly recognize the body (NASB). Or even better we could go back to when Paul used the word remembrance when he wrote, 24b “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 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.”
Remembrance means more than to simply remember. It is from the Greek 364 anamnesis with the meaning here: to properly, deliberate recollection, done to better appreciate the effects (intended results) of what happened; active, self-prompted recollection especially as a memorial (memorial sacrifice). To me this strongly implies a fond loving and appreciative memory for what Jesus had done for us. It is so easy to forget and take it for granted. Let us not do so.
Bottom Line: Jesus died for the forgiveness of sins. He gave His body and blood for our sins. Let us not forget.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help us always to take communion in remembrance of what Your Son did for us. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek