"14 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. 15 Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. 16 For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
17 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves.18 For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” 19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying,“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” 20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.
21 “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. 22 For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” 23 The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.
24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. 28 “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. 29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right 30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
This passage has always been a pretty important passage in the church. It explains a little about why we do communion. I also like this passage because it really points out in bright colors that there is a part of the Kingdom that is 'not yet.' Sure the Kingdom of God is here now, but there is a big part of it that hasn't fully arrived yet too! I encourage you to think through what Jesus says here when He takes the bread and the cup to discover, or rediscover, what He's saying and what we remember whenever participate in communion. =)
"Father thank You! Thank You for sending Jesus to save us from our sins and from ourselves! I pray that we would remain faithful and hold steadfastly to You as we wait patiently for the arrival of the rest of Your Kingdom! Thank You for all You have done and continue to do! It's in Jesus' name that I pray, amen!"
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