Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, August 29, 2021
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Jesus offered his last supper, even knowing his followers were unable to deserve it.
Jesus knew that his time on earth was coming to an end. He entered Jerusalem when people from all over the land gathered to celebrate the most important Jewish celebration, Passover. Tensions were already high between him and the authorities. There was every likelihood he would be arrested as soon as they could find him alone, away from the crowds.
So it was under this weight that he consecrated what would be his last meal with his followers. To make matters worse, he also knew that his followers would be unable to follow him to his death. One would deny him. One would betray him. He would walk to the cross alone.
Still, amid all this, Jesus still gave all of himself to them. “Take; this is my body… This is my blood.” Despite his followers’ inability to deserve all of him, he gave it.
Sometimes it can be hard to come to the table, especially when the burden of our failures and shortcomings weighs heavily on us. Are we worthy to receive such a precious gift? The answer is, no. We are not worthy. That’s what makes the gift precious. It is given to us even though we are unable to deserve it. Perhaps we can simply accept this radical generosity with gratitude and let it work within us as it will.