1 Corinthians 11:23b-26… The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
We have all seen bodies broken from hard work, bent backs, stooping posture, fingers that are gnarled and twisted. We have seen strong bodies broken by grief. We have seen bodies broken by cancer. We have seen bodies blinded by diseases. No fault is usually associated to these broken bodies.
Then there are others, whose own habits and devices have broken themselves. Think of all the ravages of alcohol and drugs. Add them to the list of those who are wounded for their own transgressions and bruised for their own iniquities (sins).
There is no doubt that Jesus’ heart was broken. His body was scourged with cruel whips; He was beaten with reeds, crown of thorns was shoved on His head and into his brow. He was already weak from a loss of sleep, a loss of nourishment, and a loss of blood. He fell under the weight of the cross they made Him carry, only to be nailed to that cross and lifted up. As if that was not enough, they shoved a spear into his side. The only reason they didn’t break his legs, as they did the two thieves, was because had already died physically.
HE SUFFERED… HE BLED… HE DIED… He did it because of the great love that he had for us. He was completely innocent. The very same sins that nailed Him to that cross are the very same sins that we continue to commit yet today.
As we examine ourselves this morning and repent of our sins, let us commit to not driving the nails in further by committing these same sins week of week. May we never forget that it is Jesus’ blood that cleanses us, as he washes away our sins. May we never forget that He bore the sin of the world.
Let us leave this table and show forth our love for Him by committing to living a godly and holy life this coming week.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I bow before you in humility and ask You to examine my heart today. Show me anything that is not pleasing to You. Reveal any secret pride, any unconfessed sin, any rebellion or unforgiveness that may be hindering my relationship with You.
As I take the bread representing Your life that was broken for me, I remember and celebrate Your faithfulness to me and to all who will receive You. I cannot begin to fathom the agonizing suffering of Your crucifixion. Yet You took that pain for me. You died for me! Thank You, Jesus. Thank You for Your extravagant love and unmerited favor. Thank You that Your death gave me life—abundant life now, and eternal life forever. As You instructed Your disciples, I, too, receive this bread in remembrance of You.
And in the same way, as I take this cup representing Your blood poured out from a splintered cross, I realize that You were the supreme sacrifice for all my sin: past, present, and future. Because of Your blood shed for me, and Your body broken for me, I can be free from the power and penalty of sin.
Thank You for Your victory over death. You took the death that I deserved. You took my punishment. Your pain was indeed my gain. And today I remember and celebrate the precious gift of life You gave me through the blood that You spilled. AMEN!
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