Mark Devotionals
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
The Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion as it’s called in many churches, is one of the most meaningful acts of worship in Christianity. But there are two things about this passage that never grow “old” on me. The first is Jesus’ statement that one of his own disciples eating with him at this deeply significant Jewish meal – the Passover – would betray him (v.18). And then (Jesus) goes on to serve that betrayer the bread and wine (which would become the components of the Lord’s Supper) as well, as if to show that the betrayal did not change how much Jesus loved him. (Most probably the washing of the Disciples’ feet was also done at this same event, so Jesus washed the betrayer’s feet as well!) The second is when he gives the bread and the wine to those same disciples (betrayer included), and he says, “This is my body… This is my blood.” It was a complete giving of himself – for/to his disciples. Paul would later give deeper meaning to this: this was God giving His forgiveness, His righteousness to us – completely (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Prayer: My Lord, what love is this that pays so dearly, that I, the guilty one may go free! Amazing love, O what sacrifice; the Son of God given for me. My debt He pays, and my death He dies. That I might live, that I might live … (from “Amazing Love” by Graham Kendrick).
May I never forget O loving Lord Jesus that you died for me even when you knew I would desert you, deny you, betray you. By giving your whole life for my sake, for each of humanity’s sake, you showed that you value each of us as you would yourself. My sin and brokenness made me worthless; your love made me priceless, a treasure. Thank you for your sacrifice, Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your all for me. I cannot live without you. May you always, only, be my life. Amen.
