Scripture: Luke 22:14-30
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, instituting the Lord’s Supper. He took the bread and wine, symbolizing His body and blood, and spoke of the new covenant. This meal linked His coming sacrifice to the Passover lamb, whose blood spared Israel from judgment.
Reflection Questions:
How does the Lord’s Supper deepen your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice?
Why is it significant that Jesus served His betrayer?
How can you live in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice each day?
DAILY EXAMEN
1. Become aware of the presence of God.
Breathe in deeply and silently pray, “You are here, God.” Then breathe out and pray, “I am here with You,
God.” Do this until you are focused on God and are aware of His presence.
2. Give thanks
Review your day while grounded in the peace of God’s presence. Give thanks for each detail you can
recall, each gift, and even each difficulty.
3. Become aware of your emotions
Think over how you feel here and now, and why. Name the emotions and give those emotions to God. If
what you have learned from today’s devotion, rejoice! If you closed your heart to what God has been
saying to you, confess and plan to make amends.
4. Pick one thing that happened today and pray.
Choose a joy or a sorrow that you experienced today and turn your heart towards prayer over it. Pray with
boldness and confidence that the Father will heal and respond as He desires.
5. Look with hope towards what tomorrow brings.
As you close out your day, commit the coming day to the Lord with trust and hope.