The day has finally come when the Passover Lamb must be sacrificed.
Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"A New Memorial"
March 31, 2017
And He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer"
(Luke 22:15, ESV).
Read Luke 22:7-20
The day has finally come when the Passover Lamb must be sacrificed. Jesus' time is drawing near. He sends Peter and John to make preparations for their Passover. This memorial feast recalls the night when God sent His angel of death to kill the firstborn of Egypt. However, the angel passed over the houses of His people whose doors were marked with the blood of the Passover Lamb. By His mighty hand the Lord forced Pharaoh to free His people Israel.
When evening comes they are reclining at the table. Jesus tells them how much He has desired to share this Passover together. He has just a few hours to prepare His disciples for an ordeal that will shake them to the core.
Everything He says and does points to His sufferings they have been trying so hard to ignore:
"This is the last Passover I will eat with you."
"Take, eat, this is My body, do this in remembrance of Me."
"This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood."
And yet with the sorrow of these words, Jesus institutes a new feast-a memorial feast far beyond Moses' Passover. In, with, and under the bread He miraculously gives us His body, which suffered God's wrath in our place. In, with, and under the wine He gives us His blood, poured out in death, so we might live with Him forever. Forgiven, fed and nourished with this heavenly meal, we have the full assurance the angel of death will pass over us on Judgment Day.
THE PRAYER: Almighty God, Your Son gave Himself to suffering and death to satisfy Your wrath at my sins, and to secure my place with You in heaven. Receive my thanks and praise. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
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