10 December - Lamb of God

Reading

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfilment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:14-20

Reflection

Passover commemorated Israel’s escape from Egypt when the blood of a lamb painted on their doorframes saved their firstborn sons from death (Exodus 12). This event foreshadowed Jesus’ work on the cross. As the spotless Lamb of God, his blood would be spilled in order to save his people from the penalty of death brought by sin. In Old Testament times, God agreed to forgive people’s sins if they brought animals for the priests to sacrifice. But animal blood did not in itself remove sin (only God can forgive sin), and animal sacrifices had to be repeated day by day and year after year. Jesus instituted a “new covenant” or agreement between humans and God. Under this new covenant, Jesus would die in the place of sinners. Unlike the blood of animals, his blood (because he is God) would truly remove the sins of all who put their faith in him. Jesus’ sacrifice would never have to be repeated; it would be good for all eternity. The prophets looked forward to this new covenant that would fulfil the old sacrificial agreement (Jeremiah 31:31-34), and John the Baptist called Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice for me, your body broken, your blood shed. As I remember what you have done for me, through the symbols of bread and the wine, may I know my sins forgiven, my life renewed, as I live for you each day. Amen