Cup of New Covenant

- The Last Supper was held on the evening of preparation for the Jewish Passover, a special time for the Jewish nation in remembrance of when God spared the Jews from the last plague of death on every firstborn child in Egypt. Christ arranged this event purposely by instructing His disciples where to host it.
- Christ identified Himself with the Passover emblems. "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you." (Exodus 12:13) As the lamb's body and blood had to be sacrificed for Israelites' redemption in Egypt, so Jesus would be the Lamb whose body and blood were sacrificed for our redemption under the new covenant.
- In Old Testament times, God agreed to forgive people's sins if they brought animals for the priests to sacrifice and the agreement was sealed with the blood of animals. "Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." (Hebrews 9:22b) The animal sacrifices had to be repeated again and again. Jesus established a new covenant/agreement between God and man. Under the new covenant, Jesus died once and for all in the place of sinners. His sacrifice never has to be repeated because His blood (He is God and only God can forgive sin) cleanses all who put their faith in Him of sins for eternity. "He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26b) "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!'" (John 1:29)
- Christ wants us to remember His sacrifice that saves us from all sins & judgment and his friendship that we continue to enjoy through the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Communion commemorates Christ's death on the cross for our sins. As we, Christians, take the bread, we remember Christ's body that was beaten by soldiers and spit upon by those who hated Him. As we take the cup of wine, we remember His blood that was poured out on the cross so that we could be completely forgiven. Let us always celebrate Christ! Each time we take communion, may we remember and be grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of our loving Savior and may it remind us to tell others about His amazing gift of salvation.