My Blood Of The New Covenant

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Maundy Thursday April 13, 2017

Topic: My Blood Of The New Covenant                  

Text: Matthew 26: 20 – 30            

At the Last Supper and institution of the Holy Eucharist, Jesus stated that His blood is the blood of the new covenant.  Blood was needed for atonement by the people under the old covenant (those who lived before Jesus). Then they could only approach God through a priest with an animal for sacrifice. But the New Covenant requires all people to come directly to God through faith because Jesus’ death has made us acceptable in God’s eyes (Rom. 3:21-24). His blood atoned for our sins once and for all (Rom. 6:10).

The old covenant was a shadow of the new (Jer. 31:31; Heb. 8:1), pointing forward to the day when Jesus Himself would be the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin. The implication of the blood of Jesus is that we no longer need an unblemished lamb slain on the altar because the perfect Lamb of God was slain on the cross, a sinless sacrifice, so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all. All those who believe in Christ receive that forgiveness.

The names we use for this sacrament instituted by Christ, gives us different understanding of its significance. As the Lord’s Supper we use it to commemorate the Passover meal Jesus ate with His disciples. When we call it the Eucharist (thanksgiving), it signifies our thanking to God for Christ’s work for us. Again, when we call it Holy Communion, it means that we commune with God and other believers which are essential for unity and love. When we come to partake in the Lord’s Supper, we should quietly reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for us with a heart of gratitude.

Food for Thought: What are the benefits we derive from the Holy Communion?

Memory verse: Matthew 26 verse 28 - For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Prayer: Lord God, as I partake in the Holy Eucharist, grant me the heart of gratitude for the ultimate price you paid for me.