Pictures from the Passover

Scripture: Matthew 26:17-30

Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?"  And He said, "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples."'"  The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.  Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.  As they were eating, He said, "Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me."  Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, "Surely not I, Lord?"  And He answered, "He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me.  "The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."  And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Jesus said to him, "You have said it yourself."  While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.  "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."  After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Insights:  Like a photo album, we have looked at four pictures this week.  We have looked at a picture of service when the disciples prepared the upper room.  We have looked at a picture of entrapment when Judas left to betray Jesus.  We have looked at a picture of sacrifice when Jesus explained the new covenant found in the bread and wine.  We have looked at a picture of exaltation as the disciples and Jesus left singing hymns.  Take a few moments today and reflect on the entire passage.  Think about the beautiful gift of salvation offered to you because of Jesus’ work on the cross.  Praise Him today!

Questions:

1. Will You take a few moments and reflect of Jesus gift to you and thank Him for it?
2. Do you have a grateful heart?                              

Prayer: Jesus, my Savior, thank You!  Thank You for the life You have given to me.  Thank You for rescuing me while I was still Your enemy and hostile towards You.  Thank You for never giving up on me.  Amen.