His work was almost completed. Every prophecy of his coming and life on earth had been fulfilled, and now all that remained were the ones concerning his death and inevitable resurrection. While fully God, Jesus was also fully human, so it would be only natural for him to have felt apprehension at the coming anguish he would endure. Yet, this is why he had come. He was and is making all things new. When I think of Jesus facing the last few days of his life the words “determined resolution” come to mind. His entire earthy life had been carefully aimed at the cross, and now Calvary was in his sights.
But what of these men and woman who had followed him so faithfully; how often did he ponder his inevitable departure from them in sadness? Most of them had done life with Jesus for several years. Scripture clearly reveals God’s relational character, and the friendships that Jesus experienced must have brought him great joy. Now he was leaving them. Certainly for a higher purpose. Assuredly, the Holy Spirit would be upon them. Undoubtedly, he would see them again one day in Heaven and even after his resurrection. But soon… he would leave them behind to take up and advance the banner of the Gospel for the entire world.
So, the last meal that he ate with them before the cross… was special — and he wanted to make sure that they would remember it. While they were eating the meal, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples. “This is my body given for you…” (Luke 22:19) And taking a cup filled with wine, he said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) Just hours later the words of Jesus at that last supper would have revealed their meaning. His body was broken… His blood was poured out… It was finished.
As I pondered The Last Supper this week I found myself thinking a bit more about Judas than I normally do. Judas had done life with Jesus for three years. Judas had witnessed all of the miracles. Judas had heard all of the teaching. Judas was present at the last supper. As Jesus broke the bread, Judas heard the words, “This is my body given for you.” And yet, Judas chose to betray Jesus — He chose not to believe.
You know, at the Last Supper Jesus wasn’t done with using bread as an illustration. He revealed to his followers that one was present who would betray him. The Apostle John writes that Jesus said, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” “Then, dipping the piece of bread in the dish, he gave it to Judas.” John 13:26 The bread… my body… broken for you. Did Judas miss the meaning of Jesus’ words and actions? I doubt it.
Did Jesus die for Judas too? We had better believe it. His body was not broken for some, but for all. Now, what we do with the understanding of Jesus’ broken body and shed blood is up to us. Take the Bread Judas! Sadly, Judas chose to reject it.
Today, as we observe The Lord’s Supper together. Something that Christians have done millions of times over the last 2000 years, remember Jesus’ broken body… remember Jesus’ blood poured out… and remember… that he did it — FOR YOU. His body broken… so that your broken life could be made whole!
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