The Prophets and Passion Week: Remembering
Exodus 12:43–47 • The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: This is the ordinance for the passover: no foreigner shall eat of it, but any slave who has been purchased may eat of it after he has been circumcised; no bound or hired servant may eat of it. It shall be eaten in one house; you shall not take any of the animal outside the house, and you shall not break any of its bones. The whole congregation of Israel shall celebrate it.
Matthew 26:26–28 • While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
On his last Thursday, Jesus gave us the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper.
Both Passover and the Lord’s Supper are reminders of God’s love. For both, remembrance is key. It is important to remember. By knowing our past, we understand our present. We serve a God of the past, present and tomorrow. Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). It is in remembering that we learn how to live today.
Lord, may the body and blood of Christ be enough for us as we proclaim the love of God in Christ Jesus. Amen.