While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

What did Jesus mean that the bread represented his body broken for us? Was this a reference to his beating and crucifixion — the damage to his physical body? Clearly it was.

Could it have also been a broader reference? I wonder about this. As I have lived through a few trials, none so incredibly hard as the trials Jesus went through, I know for me that physical pain and suffering is only one kind of breaking that can happen. Hearts can be broken for those who reject the truth. Relationships and friendships can be broken due to lust for power, greed, and anger. And our emotions can become “tapped out”, due to intense persecution.

Jesus may have meant all of these types of things, as well. He sacrificed his family and friendships to God, his power and position to God, his “reasonable workweek” to God, and his own personal ambitions and dreams to God and his will.

His heart broke for the lost and those who chose evil over the good news and new life he came to bring from God.

And then we have the wine that is his blood. Blood was a requirement for the forgiveness of sins. This is why the Jews sacrificed animals to God. Jesus poured out his perfect blood to pay the price for all mankind and their sins. Blood delivers oxygen and so many nutrients to the cells of our body. It is so important, the term “life blood” was coined to refer to something that was core and critical to a system or process.

So Jesus sacrificed (for his disciples) his body, his mind, his heart, his freedom and his physical body. And he also gave his blood to fulfill the requirement to forgive sins, but also to give us new life. His blood spilt in his death was also made alive and resurrected in his life. In a manner of speaking, through his Holy Spirit that lives in his followers, he has given us the life blood of our lives. For God’s Spirit moves among us as a community of believers in a way that is both powerful and life-giving.

Want incredible gifts Jesus gave!

Praise you, Lord Jesus, the Lord of Good Gifts! Thank you that you loved me so much that you died to set me free. May I take after your lead and continue to give better and better gifts to those around me! The best gift is an introduction to you.