an intimate table


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.” [Matthew 26:26-29 ESV]


This is one of the most amazing statements in all of human history.
Jesus proclaims that his body and his blood signified the covenant that God had made with man.
I think that it is so easy to miss this idea when we get caught up in the logistics of communion.

Here are a few things we should consider when we come to communion:
  • It is the Lord's table. It is his body and blood. We are merely participants together. We all are equals at his table. We all come with empty hands.
  • It is a table of forgiveness. It is in his blood that we hope. We are merely the recipients of that forgiveness. We all come needing a touch from the Lord.
  • It is a table of intimacy. It was one of Jesus' last desires to spend an intimate meal with his friends. We are joined together by his body, his blood and his forgiveness. 
Jesus ends this passage with a promise that he will once again eat this meal with us.
His heart for intimacy seems to transcend space and time.
Because of that we hope and look forward with hearts filled with faith.

Draw us close together around your table Lord.


... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.

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