Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”

— Mark 14:22

Souvenirs and keepsakes remind us of places we have been and of people in our lives. Maybe you have a stone that you picked up on a mountain hike, or perhaps you have a seashell from a beach. Maybe you cherish an heirloom that a grandparent owned. Reflecting on it can bring back warm memories.

At the last supper, Jesus was sharing his final Passover meal with his disciples. Ever since then, the deep significance of this meal has become precious to Jesus’ followers as a sacrament in the church.

I imagine that Jesus’ disciples later thought about him and what he did nearly every time they took bread and ate it during a meal. Think of how signifi­cant it was that Jesus used this basic, universal food to remind his followers that he gave his body to be crucified to pay for all our sin. Similarly, he used wine to remind his followers of the blood he shed.

Whenever you take a piece of bread today—maybe a piece of toast or a muffin or a bagel—or if you bite into a sandwich or a tortilla or another food made with some type of bread, may you be reminded that Jesus offered himself for us all, that we can be forgiven and have new life forever with him.

Jesus, remind me each day that you have given yourself for me. Even more than I need bread or food each day, I need you. Amen.