19 And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.

21 Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table. 22 Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him.”

23 Then they began to question among themselves which of them was going to do this.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Viet Mai

This is a very sombre moment before Jesus went to the cross. Two very important things stand out in this passage.

First, Jesus established a new covenant in His blood. Jesus used the cup of wine to symbolise the blood that He would pour out for His people, bringing them into God’s family. Instead of using the blood of animals, God’s people now have the blood of Jesus to be in a relationship with God.

Secondly, Jesus was going to be betrayed by Judas, but that was part of God’s decree, so that Jesus could die for sinners and save them from judgment. God used evil to accomplish something very good: our salvation.

How does it help us today to know that we are in God’s family by Jesus’ blood and that God can use evil to accomplish His good purposes? For me, I am reminded to be thankful that the Son of God would die for an unworthy sinner like me! Also, knowing that God can use anything, even evil things, for His good purpose, I feel less worried about the chaos that can occur during the week.

Almighty God, look with mercy on this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, to be given into the hands of sinners and to suffer death upon the cross, who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Viet is a member of our Bossley Park Monring congregation.