Luke 22:14-20; Holy Thursday; April 17, 2025;

Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, MN;

And when the hour came, [Jesus] reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:14–20, ESV)

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

On this holy night, we remember that Jesus gave us his supper. Tomorrow, he hangs on the cross to forgive our sins. On Sunday he rises from the dead, to give us the promise of resurrection. Tonight, he makes his last will and testament. This text says, covenant, but it is the same thing. Jesus, himself, gives us this supper as his testament and promise of our sins forgiven and our resurrection.

We would do well to look at exactly what he does, what he says and what he asks us to do when we celebrate this supper. This being a will, the words are very specifically chosen. No one says anything in a will that is useless, or unmeaning.

Firstly, the context, all this takes place during the celebration of Passover. That’s when the Jews gather to remember God’s salvation from Egypt. God sent plagues to convince Pharoah to set them free. Pharoah refused until the final stroke. God sent the angel of death and killed all the first born in Egypt. He made one provision. Every house that had the blood of a lamb spread on the door post would be spared. So, as the people of God sat in their houses with blood on the door, God’s angel brought death everywhere else. For them it was an act of faith. Those who believed God’s promise lived. Afterwards, Pharoh couldn’t wait to get rid of them. His own son was dead. He would later change his mind, but that’s another story.

This event, Passover, is the major saving event of the Old Testament. God’s name YHWH is a reminder of that. It’s the name he gave them to use at that time. He gave it to Moses when the whole process of ending their slavery began. Every time that name is used, every time rescue is mentioned, every time the promised land is mentioned, in the Old Testament, every Hebrew would make the connection to the Passover.

It is in this context that Jesus makes his new covenant. Simply stated, Jesus’ blood saves us from slavery to sin and death. Just like the sacrificed lamb’s blood. Of course, I’m preaching to the choir when I say it is much more than a symbol of what he is doing. When we look at the actual words he uses, one in particular, chosen with great care, we see that. The word is is. In Greek

τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ σῶμά μου (literally: this is the body of me)

You could say this phrase in many ways and Greek doesn’t require the linking verb, is. But remembering that Jesus is choosing his words very carefully, is is very important. It’s not “depends on how you define, is” ala Bill Clinton. From the context, the importance of what Jesus is doing, Passover and the blood of and actual lamb spread on the door posts, is means is.

There may have been more ink spilled on this single word, theologically speaking, than any other word. William of Ockham was a late 13th-century philosopher and theologian who despised overcomplicating things. His theorem, called Occam’s Razor, points this out.

Entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity. — William of Ockham (c. 1287–1347)

In plain English it means:

When you’re faced with competing hypotheses that make the same predictions, the one with the fewest assumptions is preferable.

Or even simpler: The simplest explanation that accounts for all the facts is usually the best one.

So, how does this apply here? Well, in Greek the word ἐστιν means is. It is never used to mean symbolically. In fact, Greek has another word for that Σημαίνω. It means signifies. Should Jesus have just used this word to avoid confusion? I think it’s fair to say the creator of the universe knows what he said. I would rather stand before the throne of God, having to explain why I took Jesus at his word than the other way around. In other words, given all the facts, the context, and the words, the simplest meaning is that is means is. What Jesus meant to say is that the bread and wine are his body and blood. How that is true is a mystery.

There is one more phrase that is critical in understanding the supper. The words in Greek again are: τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν διδόμενον. Or “the thing given on behalf of you” or as we say in the Words of institution “given for you”. And the phrase is a present passive participle. That’s fancy grammar for “starting right now” it’s not just a future event on the cross but already beginning in the Supper when Jesus gave. So, the gifts, forgiveness, life and salvation are for you in this meal beginning now. The disciples at the table received Jesus body and blood and the forgiveness of their sins.

Martin Luther said about these words,

“The words ‘for you’ require all hearts to believe. This treasure is not begged for nor earned by our works. It is offered without cost and is to be received with thanksgiving.” — Luther, LC V.62–64

So, the for you is exclusive. It is for those who believe. In other words, it is for some, but not all. Every church has exclusions from the supper. Most would deny it to Buddhists, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or even the Klu, Klux Klan. If you ask them why they will say they lack faith in Jesus (even though the KKK claims to be Christian). The question is, where do you draw the line as to who is excluded and who is included? It is in the for you. Quite simply, Jesus first gave it to believers and said it was for them, for believers. The Supper of Jesus is for the Church, that is, for the community of believers.

The Lord’s Supper is not neutral. Through faith it gives grace. Without faith it gives judgement.

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Corinthians 11:27–29 (ESV)

In some ways, I think we don’t take these words seriously. But it is serious, in fact, deadly serious. Paul adds,

That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 1 Corinthians 11:30 (ESV)

So, in this Congregation of Corinthians, there were those who were sick and died, because they weren’t discerning the body. Paul is being literal. Is he only speaking about unbelief? No, obviously, it is a congregation of believers. This was an admonition, not of faith, but wrong faith. The body isn’t only the presence of Jesus, his body, in the supper but the body of faith.

How do I know this? Paul, himself, in the next chapter of the letter, calls the church, the Body of Christ.

You are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Cor. 12:27)

And in 11:20-22 he condemns the Corinthians for division and selfishness in the Supper. In this larger context Paul says to discern the body is to: Recognize your brothers and sisters in Christ, act with love, humility and unity in the gathered body. And to avoid factionalism and pride. So, the church is responsible for avoiding obvious division in the Church, especially when considering the Supper of the Lord.

I think it is fair to say that Church of Christ is divided, much more now than when Jesus gave this gift to her. On any topic from the Real Presence of Jesus body and blood in the supper to what will happen at the end of time. What it means to be saved by faith and how works are active in the life of a believer. Not to mention the gross distortions of unrepentant homosexual behavior and support for the killing of the unborn. These are serious divisions in the body of Christ. Should they not be considered when it comes to the Lord’s most holy gift to the church? Paul says so. This is the simplest understanding of what he says.

Earlier in the Letter, Paul also says this,

This is how one should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1–2, ESV

He is of course talking about pastors here, as stewards. Stewards of the mysteries of God. The Lord’s Supper is one of the greatest mysteries of the faith. The word steward (οἰκονόμος) here means one who is obligated to follow the instructions of the master. I take these words (in fact all of scripture) seriously. I don’t own the supper; I am responsible for its distribution. It is improper (that is not being a faithful steward) to give sacred food to those who are hostile to the faith. Anyone who doesn’t believe what it is, Jesus body and blood for the forgiveness of sins, those who are unrepentant, that is, those who don’t seen the need for repentance, and are not united in faith. This responsibility can be and often is a great burden. But thankfully there is forgiveness for err. And I have often done so.

The question is, what is unity? The divisions in the church are clearly defined. Baptist churches don’t believe in the real presence, ELCA Lutherans believe in supporting homosexuality. Roman Catholics believe they participate in their salvation. I realize that not all members of these churches believe in everything they teach. But it is the responsibility of Christians to seek out churches that teach the word faithfully. It is my responsibility to faithfully administer the Sacrament according to God’s Word. And the word warns against spiritual harm for those who do not discern the Body of Christ. The supper isn’t for everyone. A pastor is responsible for this work, in his own congregation, not as a doorman, but as a steward.

So, what about the gift? We return to Jesus’ words, for you. That is what Paul means when he says, examine yourselves, he is talking about you confidently grasping the gifts offered in the supper for you. He is talking about you firmly holding on to the promise of salvation for you, in the forgiveness of your sin. He is talking about your confession of faith, in all that Jesus has said. The attitude should be one like the desperate father in Mark. His son was demon possessed. He asks for healing for his son. Jesus says to him, “All things are possible for one who believes.” His response: “I believe; help my unbelief.”

In this context, the supper is here for you. Doubt isn’t the issue. We all have doubt. In fact, doubt is reversed through the gift of faith and assurance of forgiveness that is offered in this sacred meal. If you believe in the for you of the supper, it is indeed here for you.

Again, Luther says,

If a person does not desire the Sacrament, I let him go. [I do not preach much to him about the benefits, for he is a coarse pig; he does not desire it.] But if he comes on his own and says, ‘I want to be a Christian and receive the Sacrament,’ I cannot refuse him, if only he gives evidence of his faith and receives instruction, lest we give it to swine and dogs. Luther’s Works, AE 51:98

He doesn’t mean he lets him go to the supper, he means he lets him go without it. Then he says what is necessary to receive it. gives evidence of his faith and receives instruction.

You may not like the practice of closed communion. Sometimes, I hate it. But we must for the sake of what Jesus and Paul say, continue to do it. Amen.

The peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Luke 22:14-20; Holy Thursday; April 17, 2025;

Life in Christ Lutheran Church, Grand Marais, MN;

And when the hour came, [Jesus] reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:14–20, ESV)

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

On this holy night, we remember that Jesus gave us his supper. Tomorrow, he hangs on the cross to forgive our sins. On Sunday he rises from the dead, to give us the promise of resurrection. Tonight, he makes his last will and testament. This text says, covenant, but it is the same thing. Jesus, himself, gives us this supper as his testament and promise of our sins forgiven and our resurrection.

We would do well to look at exactly what he does, what he says and what he asks us to do when we celebrate this supper. This being a will, the words are very specifically chosen. No one says anything in a will that is useless, or unmeaning.

Firstly, the context, all this takes place during the celebration of Passover. That’s when the Jews gather to remember God’s salvation from Egypt. God sent plagues to convince Pharoah to set them free. Pharoah refused until the final stroke. God sent the angel of death and killed all the first born in Egypt. He made one provision. Every house that had the blood of a lamb spread on the door post would be spared. So, as the people of God sat in their houses with blood on the door, God’s angel brought death everywhere else. For them it was an act of faith. Those who believed God’s promise lived. Afterwards, Pharoh couldn’t wait to get rid of them. His own son was dead. He would later change his mind, but that’s another story.

This event, Passover, is the major saving event of the Old Testament. God’s name YHWH is a reminder of that. It’s the name he gave them to use at that time. He gave it to Moses when the whole process of ending their slavery began. Every time that name is used, every time rescue is mentioned, every time the promised land is mentioned, in the Old Testament, every Hebrew would make the connection to the Passover.

It is in this context that Jesus makes his new covenant. Simply stated, Jesus’ blood saves us from slavery to sin and death. Just like the sacrificed lamb’s blood. Of course, I’m preaching to the choir when I say it is much more than a symbol of what he is doing. When we look at the actual words he uses, one in particular, chosen with great care, we see that. The word is is. In Greek

τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ σῶμά μου (literally: this is the body of me)

You could say this phrase in many ways and Greek doesn’t require the linking verb, is. But remembering that Jesus is choosing his words very carefully, is is very important. It’s not “depends on how you define, is” ala Bill Clinton. From the context, the importance of what Jesus is doing, Passover and the blood of and actual lamb spread on the door posts, is means is.

There may have been more ink spilled on this single word, theologically speaking, than any other word. William of Ockham was a late 13th-century philosopher and theologian who despised overcomplicating things. His theorem, called Occam’s Razor, points this out.

Entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity. — William of Ockham (c. 1287–1347)

In plain English it means:

When you’re faced with competing hypotheses that make the same predictions, the one with the fewest assumptions is preferable.

Or even simpler: The simplest explanation that accounts for all the facts is usually the best one.

So, how does this apply here? Well, in Greek the word ἐστιν means is. It is never used to mean symbolically. In fact, Greek has another word for that Σημαίνω. It means signifies. Should Jesus have just used this word to avoid confusion? I think it’s fair to say the creator of the universe knows what he said. I would rather stand before the throne of God, having to explain why I took Jesus at his word than the other way around. In other words, given all the facts, the context, and the words, the simplest meaning is that is means is. What Jesus meant to say is that the bread and wine are his body and blood. How that is true is a mystery.

There is one more phrase that is critical in understanding the supper. The words in Greek again are: τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν διδόμενον. Or “the thing given on behalf of you” or as we say in the Words of institution “given for you”. And the phrase is a present passive participle. That’s fancy grammar for “starting right now” it’s not just a future event on the cross but already beginning in the Supper when Jesus gave. So, the gifts, forgiveness, life and salvation are for you in this meal beginning now. The disciples at the table received Jesus body and blood and the forgiveness of their sins.

Martin Luther said about these words,

“The words ‘for you’ require all hearts to believe. This treasure is not begged for nor earned by our works. It is offered without cost and is to be received with thanksgiving.” — Luther, LC V.62–64

So, the for you is exclusive. It is for those who believe. In other words, it is for some, but not all. Every church has exclusions from the supper. Most would deny it to Buddhists, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or even the Klu, Klux Klan. If you ask them why they will say they lack faith in Jesus (even though the KKK claims to be Christian). The question is, where do you draw the line as to who is excluded and who is included? It is in the for you. Quite simply, Jesus first gave it to believers and said it was for them, for believers. The Supper of Jesus is for the Church, that is, for the community of believers.

The Lord’s Supper is not neutral. Through faith it gives grace. Without faith it gives judgement.

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Corinthians 11:27–29 (ESV)

In some ways, I think we don’t take these words seriously. But it is serious, in fact, deadly serious. Paul adds,

That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 1 Corinthians 11:30 (ESV)

So, in this Congregation of Corinthians, there were those who were sick and died, because they weren’t discerning the body. Paul is being literal. Is he only speaking about unbelief? No, obviously, it is a congregation of believers. This was an admonition, not of faith, but wrong faith. The body isn’t only the presence of Jesus, his body, in the supper but the body of faith.

How do I know this? Paul, himself, in the next chapter of the letter, calls the church, the Body of Christ.

You are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Cor. 12:27)

And in 11:20-22 he condemns the Corinthians for division and selfishness in the Supper. In this larger context Paul says to discern the body is to: Recognize your brothers and sisters in Christ, act with love, humility and unity in the gathered body. And to avoid factionalism and pride. So, the church is responsible for avoiding obvious division in the Church, especially when considering the Supper of the Lord.

I think it is fair to say that Church of Christ is divided, much more now than when Jesus gave this gift to her. On any topic from the Real Presence of Jesus body and blood in the supper to what will happen at the end of time. What it means to be saved by faith and how works are active in the life of a believer. Not to mention the gross distortions of unrepentant homosexual behavior and support for the killing of the unborn. These are serious divisions in the body of Christ. Should they not be considered when it comes to the Lord’s most holy gift to the church? Paul says so. This is the simplest understanding of what he says.

Earlier in the Letter, Paul also says this,

This is how one should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1–2, ESV

He is of course talking about pastors here, as stewards. Stewards of the mysteries of God. The Lord’s Supper is one of the greatest mysteries of the faith. The word steward (οἰκονόμος) here means one who is obligated to follow the instructions of the master. I take these words (in fact all of scripture) seriously. I don’t own the supper; I am responsible for its distribution. It is improper (that is not being a faithful steward) to give sacred food to those who are hostile to the faith. Anyone who doesn’t believe what it is, Jesus body and blood for the forgiveness of sins, those who are unrepentant, that is, those who don’t seen the need for repentance, and are not united in faith. This responsibility can be and often is a great burden. But thankfully there is forgiveness for err. And I have often done so.

The question is, what is unity? The divisions in the church are clearly defined. Baptist churches don’t believe in the real presence, ELCA Lutherans believe in supporting homosexuality. Roman Catholics believe they participate in their salvation. I realize that not all members of these churches believe in everything they teach. But it is the responsibility of Christians to seek out churches that teach the word faithfully. It is my responsibility to faithfully administer the Sacrament according to God’s Word. And the word warns against spiritual harm for those who do not discern the Body of Christ. The supper isn’t for everyone. A pastor is responsible for this work, in his own congregation, not as a doorman, but as a steward.

So, what about the gift? We return to Jesus’ words, for you. That is what Paul means when he says, examine yourselves, he is talking about you confidently grasping the gifts offered in the supper for you. He is talking about you firmly holding on to the promise of salvation for you, in the forgiveness of your sin. He is talking about your confession of faith, in all that Jesus has said. The attitude should be one like the desperate father in Mark. His son was demon possessed. He asks for healing for his son. Jesus says to him, “All things are possible for one who believes.” His response: “I believe; help my unbelief.”

In this context, the supper is here for you. Doubt isn’t the issue. We all have doubt. In fact, doubt is reversed through the gift of faith and assurance of forgiveness that is offered in this sacred meal. If you believe in the for you of the supper, it is indeed here for you.

Again, Luther says,

If a person does not desire the Sacrament, I let him go. [I do not preach much to him about the benefits, for he is a coarse pig; he does not desire it.] But if he comes on his own and says, ‘I want to be a Christian and receive the Sacrament,’ I cannot refuse him, if only he gives evidence of his faith and receives instruction, lest we give it to swine and dogs. Luther’s Works, AE 51:98

He doesn’t mean he lets him go to the supper, he means he lets him go without it. Then he says what is necessary to receive it. gives evidence of his faith and receives instruction.

You may not like the practice of closed communion. Sometimes, I hate it. But we must for the sake of what Jesus and Paul say, continue to do it. Amen.

The peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Luke.22.7-20; Holy Thursday, April 9, 2009;

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. (Luke 22:7-20, ESV)

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

During his three years of ministry Jesus and his disciples shared many meals. Of course this meal, this one on the night of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, was unlike any other they had had. There was something very unique about it. Not that every meal they had was ordinary. I’m reminded of the time that Jesus and his followers retreated to Bethsaida to get away from the crowd. Even though it was a remote place, the crowds found out that Jesus was there and they followed. Jesus reacted welcoming them, and teaching those who had gathered about the kingdom of God, and healing “those who needed healing.” When the time grew late, the disciples told Jesus to send everyone away to find places to eat and stay for the night, “It’s a long way home.” They protested. Jesus answer was unexpected. “You give them something to eat.” The disciples weren’t sure what Jesus meant because there were well over five thousand people. “But Lord,” they said, “we only have five loaves and two fish, unless you want us to buy food for them all.” “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” When everyone was seated, Jesus took the food they had, the five loaves and two fish, and blessed them, broke the bread into pieces, and gave it all to the disciples to give out to the people. Everyone there, all five thousand plus, ate the meal. It was like none other they had ever had. This meal was provided by Jesus. Over five thousand people had enough to eat from five loaves and two fish. That meal was everything they needed and some left over, twelve baskets full. I’ll bet that every time the disciples saw Jesus breaking bread after that they thought about God providing for people exactly what they needed.

Now the amazing thing about this meal wasn’t necessarily only the fact that Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish. That alone is an amazing thing. But sometimes we get sidetracked on the big miracles that we can see. If Jesus can provide bread for a multitude we know that he can provide daily bread for me. There is really more at work here than just the filling of empty stomachs. Actually the disciples were used to seeing miracles from Jesus. We can see that that is true just paging through Luke’s Gospel. Luke carefully records for us a great many miracles of Jesus. And even the disciples had been given the ability to do them for a time. Just before this meal the disciples were sent out by Jesus to preach and heal. So the miracle of multiplying is an amazing thing. But there is something else going on here that St. Luke wants us to see. There is something more that Jesus is doing. First, when the crowd gathers, he welcomes them. He doesn’t send them away. Now these people were the typical people who were following him. They were sick, lonely, outcast people. They were people that normally didn’t get invitations to meal, or gatherings. But still, Jesus welcomes them to be with him. Second, he teaches. Jesus tells the people about the kingdom of God. He tells them what it means that God is drawing near to them. He tells them how their lives are already different, just because he is there. And just to show them the reality of what he is speaking about, he blesses the bread, breaks it into pieces and the people eat it. In those days, what ever blessing you spoke over bread that is shared is a blessing for all who share it. The miracle of making the five loaves enough for everyone was only making sure that all those people knew that they were invited to have a friendship with Jesus.

It’s not unexpected for Jesus to use a meal to say that kind of thing to God’s people. The Passover meal was the very same thing. The most important even in Israel’s history was remembered every year by a meal. After the first nine plagues in Egypt, Pharaoh wasn’t impressed enough with the God of the Hebrews to let them go. Through Moses God told his people to sit down and eat. A lamb was slaughtered. Its blood was smeared on the doorposts of their houses. And while God’s friends ate the flesh of the dead lamb, the angel of death visited the houses where God’s friends weren’t eating. Inside all the bloodless houses, the first born died wherever a lamb hadn’t died in his place. So every year after that, the Jews remembered the friendship of God, showed to them in the killing and eating of a lamb.

¹⁴This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast. ¹⁵Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. ¹⁶On the first day you shall hold a holy assembly, and on the seventh day a holy assembly. No work shall be done on those days. But what everyone needs to eat, that alone may be prepared by you. ¹⁷And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:14-17 (ESV)

Do any of you know the first question that was to be asked by the youngest child at this meal? “Why this night is different from all others?” It was a “memorial meal” to teach the people what God had done for them. The lamb’s blood was to be shed to show them what it means that they were the people of God. That He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. How now their lives were different, just because God was with them. And just to show them the reality of what he was saying, the lamb was killed and eaten, and unleavened bread was broken and shared.

And now that brings us to this night, the night that begins the great suffering of Jesus for the sins of the world. The night Jesus had an earnest desire to share with his disciples. Everything for the Feast of Unleavened Bread was prepared. They gathered around Lord’s Table. The table was littered with what was left over from the Passover meal. They had killed and eaten a lamb. And there was unleavened bread. Jesus took the bread gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them. “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And then he took the cup of wine and gave it to them and said, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Jesus was teaching again. He was telling them what was going to happen beginning that night was the real reason that he came. Within hours his blood would be poured out just as it was now begin being poured into them with the wine. Within hours his body would be broken just as it was broken with the bread that they were eating. But the key to what Jesus was saying wasn’t just the miracle of his presence in the meal. The really big miracle comes in the smallest words that he spoke. “for you.” “This is my body given for you. This cup is poured out for you.” Jesus was telling his disciples what it means that God had drawn near to them. He tells them that because of what he was about to do, their lives were already different. And just to show the reality of what he is about to do, he gave his true body and true blood in bread and wine for them to eat and drink. The miracle of what Jesus had come to do was show to them in a way that they could see and taste.

Then it was out to the garden… on to arrest… on to trial… on to crucifixion… and on to death. Jesus offers himself as the replacement lamb. He was killed and his body eaten for the sake of his friends who had gathered at his table.

Tonight, in a few moments we’ll do it again, in remembrance. It is no less miraculous than the feeding of the five thousand. It is no less miraculous than the night the blood was spread on the doorposts and the angel of death passed over. It is no less miraculous than the night the disciples gathered with Jesus over the Passover meal. Right here in this place, God is coming near to us in a very special way. We’ll eat the bread and drink from the cup, just as Jesus told us to do. Jesus is still teaching. The very body and blood that hung and suffered and died on the cross is going to be right here. The very same Jesus who rose from the dead is going to be here at his table again tonight. He wants you to remember what he has done for you. He wants you to remember his broken and bloody body hanging on the cross. He wants you to remember his death and his resurrection. It will all be shown to you in a very visual way right here, tonight. Jesus is telling you what it means that he is drawing near to you. He is telling you that because of what he has done your life is already different. It is all right here and the most important thing to hear when we speak Jesus words over the bread and wine in a few moments is those two very small but very important words… “for you.”

At this meal, you’ve been invited by Jesus himself. He says to you, “Look, my baptized child, look at my body and my blood given and shed for you. Through them you have forgiveness of your sins. Through them you are my friend. I am the very Lamb of God who has given myself up to death in your place. And even though death will come to you, right here in my body and blood you have my promise of life forever with me.”

It is an unusual meal. Amen.

The Peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Maunday Thursday.

Thanks Paul for the nice article on Maunday Thursday.

I can say nothing better than this:

"I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table"
by Friedrich C. Heyder, 1677-1754
Translated by composite

1. I come, O Savior, to Thy Table,
For weak and weary is my soul;
Thou, Bread of Life, alone art able
To satisfy and make me whole:

REFRAIN:
Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood
Be for my soul the highest good!

2. Oh, grant that I in manner worthy
May now approach Thy heavenly Board
And, as I lowly bow before Thee,
Look only unto Thee, O Lord!

3. Unworthy though I am, O Savior,
Because I have a sinful heart,
Yet Thou Thy lamb wilt banish never
For Thou my faithful Shepherd art!

4. Oh, let me loathe all sin forever
As death and poison to my soul
That I through wilful sinning never
May see Thy Judgment take its toll!

5. Thy heart is filled with fervent yearning
That sinners may salvation see
Who, Lord, to Thee in faith are turning;
So I, a sinner, come to Thee.

6. Weary am I and heavy laden,
With sin my soul is sore opprest;
Receive me graciously, and gladden
My heart, for I am now Thy guest.

7. Thou here wilt find a heart most lowly
That humbly falls before Thy feet,
That duly weeps o'er sin, yet solely
Thy merit pleads, as it is meet.

8. By faith I call Thy holy Table
The testament of Thy deep love;
For, lo, thereby I now am able
To see how love Thy heart doth move.

9. What higher gift can we inherit?
It is faith's bond and solid base;
It is the strength of heart and spirit,
The covenant of hope and grace.

10. This feast is manna, wealth abounding
Unto the poor, to weak ones power,
To angels joy, to hell confounding,
And life for us in death's dark hour.

11. Thy body, given for me, O Savior,
Thy blood which Thou for me didst shed,
These are my life and strength forever,
By them my hungry soul is fed.

12. With Thee, Lord, I am now united;
I live in Thee and Thou in me.
No sorrow fills my soul, delighted
It finds its only joy in Thee.

13. Who can condemn me now? For surely
The Lord is nigh, who justifies.
No hell I fear, and thus securely,
With Jesus I to heaven rise.

14. Though death may threaten with disaster,
It cannot rob me of my cheer;
For He who is of death the Master
With aid and comfort e'er is near.

15. My heart has now become Thy dwelling,
O blessed Holy Trinity.
With angels I, Thy praises telling,
Shall live in joy eternally.

Hymn #315
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: 1 Cor. 11:28
Author: Friedrich C. Heyder, 1710, cento
Translated by: composite
Titled: "Ich komm' zu deinem Abendmahle"
Tune: "Ich sterbe taeglich"
1st Published in: Ms., Municipal Library
Town: Leipzig, 1756

Holy Thursday, April 5, 2007, Luke 22:7-20

⁷Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. ⁸So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” ⁹They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” ¹⁰He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters ¹¹and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ ¹²And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” ¹³And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. ¹⁴And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. ¹⁵And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ¹⁶For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” ¹⁷And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. ¹⁸For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” ¹⁹And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁰And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:7-20 (ESV)

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

During his three years of ministry I’m sure Jesus and his disciples had lots of meals together. Of course this meal, this one on the night of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, was unlike any other they had had. There was something very unique about it. Not that every meal they had was an ordinary one. I’m reminded of the time that Jesus and his followers retreated to Bethsaida to get away from the crowd. Even though it was a remote place, the crowds found out that Jesus was there and they followed. Jesus reacted welcoming them, and teaching those who had gathered about the kingdom of God, and healing “those who needed healing.” When the time grew late, the disciples told Jesus to send everyone away to find places to eat and stay for the night, “It’s a long way home.” They protested. Jesus answer was unexpected. “You give them something to eat.” The disciples weren’t sure what Jesus meant because there were well over five thousand people. “But Lord,” they said, “we only have five loaves and two fish, unless you want us to buy food for them all.” “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” When everyone was seated, Jesus took the food they had, the five loaves and two fish, and blessed them, broke the bread into pieces, and gave it all to the disciples to give out to the people. Everyone there, all five thousand plus, ate the meal. It was like none other they had ever had. This meal was provided by Jesus. Over five thousand people had enough to eat from five loaves and two fish. That meal was everything they needed and some left over, twelve baskets full. I’ll bet that every time the disciples saw Jesus breaking bread after that they thought about God providing for people exactly what they needed.

Now the amazing thing about this meal wasn’t necessarily only the fact that Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish. That alone is an amazing thing. But sometimes we get sidetracked on the big miracles that we can see. If Jesus can provide bread for a multitude we know that he can provide daily bread for me. There is really more at work here than just the filling of empty stomachs. Actually the disciples were used to seeing miracles from Jesus. We can see that that is true just paging through Luke’s Gospel. Luke carefully records for us a great many miracles of Jesus. And even the disciples had been given the ability to do them for a time. Just before this meal the disciples were sent out by Jesus to preach and heal. So the miracle of multiplying is an amazing thing. But there is something else going on here that St. Luke wants us to see. There is something more that Jesus is doing. First, when the crowd gathers, he welcomes them. He doesn’t send them away. Now these people were the typical people who were following him. They were sick, lonely, outcast people. They were people that normally didn’t get invitations to meal, or gatherings. But still, Jesus welcomes them to be with him. Second, he teaches. Jesus tells the people about the kingdom of God. He tells them what it means that God is drawing near to them. He tells them how their lives are already different, just because he is there. And just to show them the reality of what he is speaking about, he blesses the bread, breaks it into pieces and the people eat it. In those days, what ever blessing you spoke over bread that is shared is a blessing for all who share it. The miracle of making the five loaves enough for everyone was only making sure that all those people knew that they were invited to have a friendship with Jesus.

It’s not unexpected for Jesus to use a meal to say that kind of thing to God’s people. The Passover meal was the very same thing. The most important even in Israel’s history was remembered every year by a meal. After the first nine plagues in Egypt, Pharaoh wasn’t impressed enough with the God of the Hebrews to let them go. Through Moses God told his people to sit down and eat. A lamb was slaughtered. Its blood was smeared on the doorposts of their houses. And while God’s friends ate the flesh of the dead lamb, the angel of death visited the houses where God’s friends weren’t eating. Inside all the bloodless houses, the first born died wherever a lamb hadn’t died in his place. So every year after that, the Jews remembered the friendship of God, showed to them in the killing and eating of a lamb.

¹⁴This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast. ¹⁵Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. ¹⁶On the first day you shall hold a holy assembly, and on the seventh day a holy assembly. No work shall be done on those days. But what everyone needs to eat, that alone may be prepared by you. ¹⁷And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:14-17 (ESV)

Do any of you know the first question that was to be asked by the youngest child at this meal? “Why this night is different from all others?” It was a “memorial meal” to teach the people what God had done for them. The lamb’s blood was to be shed to show them what it means that they were the people of God. That He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. How now their lives were different, just because God was with them. And just to show them the reality of what he was saying, the lamb was killed and eaten, and unleavened bread was broken and shared.

And now that brings us to this night, the night that begins the great suffering of Jesus for the sins of the world. The night Jesus had an earnest desire to share with his disciples. Everything for the Feast of Unleavened Bread was prepared. They gathered around Lord’s Table. The table was littered with what was left over from the Passover meal. They had killed and eaten a lamb. And there was unleavened bread. Jesus took the bread gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them. “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And then he took the cup of wine and gave it to them and said, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Jesus was teaching again. He was telling them what was going to happen beginning that night was the real reason that he came. Within hours his blood would be poured out just as it was now begin being poured into them with the wine. Within hours his body would be broken just as it was broken with the bread that they were eating. But the key to what Jesus was saying wasn’t just the miracle of his presence in the meal. The really big miracle comes in the smallest words that he spoke. “for you.” “This is my body given for you. This cup is poured out for you.” Jesus was telling his disciples what it means that God had drawn near to them. He tells them that because of what he was about to do, their lives were already different. And just to show the reality of what he is about to do, he gave his true body and true blood in bread and wine for them to eat and drink. The miracle of what Jesus had come to do was show to them in a way that they could see and taste.

Then it was out to the garden… on to arrest… on to trial… on to crucifixion… and on to death. Jesus offers himself as the replacement lamb. He was killed and his body eaten for the sake of his friends who had gathered at his table.

Tonight, in a few moments we’ll do it again, in remembrance. It is no less miraculous than the feeding of the five thousand. It is no less miraculous than the night the blood was spread on the doorposts and the angel of death passed over. It is no less miraculous than the night the disciples gathered with Jesus over the Passover meal. Right here in this place, God is coming near to us in a very special way. We’ll eat the bread and drink from the cup, just as Jesus told us to do. Jesus is still teaching. The very body and blood that hung and suffered and died on the cross is going to be right here. The very same Jesus who rose from the dead is going to be here at his table again tonight. He wants you to remember what he has done for you. He wants you to remember his broken and bloody body hanging on the cross. He wants you to remember his death and his resurrection. It will all be shown to you in a very visual way right here, tonight. Jesus is telling you what it means that he is drawing near to you. He is telling you that because of what he has done your life is already different. It is all right here and the most important thing to hear when we speak Jesus words over the bread and wine in a few moments is those two very small but very important words… “for you.”

At this meal, you’ve been invited by Jesus himself. He says to you, “Look, my baptized child, look at my body and my blood given and shed for you. Through them you have forgiveness of your sins. Through them you are my friend. I am the very Lamb of God who has given myself up to death in your place. And even though death will come to you, right here in my body and blood you have my promise of life forever with me.”

It is an unusual meal. Amen.

The Peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.