Holy Communion – Be Still…

Mark 14:12-31 – The Last Supper

Have you ever attended a retirement or going-away party for yourself or a friend? Then you know the gamut of emotions, the hopes, and the dreams for the future on everyone’s minds. I don’t think Jesus’ disciples realized this dinner with Jesus was one of those occasions. To them, this was sharing the Passover meal with Jesus, which was special by itself. Knowing how the evening carried a much deeper meaning was learned after the fact.

Would the disciples have had an inkling of doom, remembering all of Jesus’ talk lately about death? If there were any doubts going into the Passover meal, Jesus cleared it all up, but then confused the issue again just as quickly. “What was all this talk about the betrayal?” they must have wondered. Continue reading “Mark 14:12-31 – The Last Supper”

Matthew 26:26-29 – Jesus Will Meet Us There

Read Matthew 26:26-29

Do you watch “The Chosen” television show yet? The scene depicted in our reading is played out in Season 5, episode 6. How do I know? I just watched this episode in preparation for our Youth Group viewing this week. The Chosen is a great depiction of the life of Jesus. It’s exciting to hear all about how many lives are being changed by God for those watching that series. You can watch it for free in The Chosen app.

The setting was in an upper room. Jesus was gathered with his dearest friends and followers for the Passover meal. This would be Jesus’ last meal with them. Jesus knew what was coming, but the disciples did not fully understand. All these thousands of years later, we still do not fully understand what had to happen with Jesus or the Kingdom of God, where Jesus will again meet us. Continue reading “Matthew 26:26-29 – Jesus Will Meet Us There”

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 – Remember Before It’s Too Late

Read Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

Solomon doesn’t want us to wait too long to remember the importance of God. This passage should speak loudly, even yell, at young people today. Sadly, I could recognize myself in some of the “older” traits Solomon describes here. The outward signs of aging are becoming more of a reality for me. Yet, most of the time, I am in denial that I have reached and passed “middle age.” Thankfully, I remembered long ago how important God is to me. Solomon just confirms that significance.

But whether you are young or old, it is never too late to give devotion to God. He wants to be the ruler of our lives no matter what age we are. I think Solomon worried that the older we get, the more set in our ways we become and making changes can be hard. If we aren’t already remembering God and thinking of him regularly, it can get harder the more time passes.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 – The Lord’s Supper

Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

There are so many ways to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Have you ever done so in a home or in a park? I know my husband, as a pastor, has been doing in-home communion visits for all of his ministry career. Those moments were often treasured by congregants who could no longer make it physically to church. My own father is now one of those who looks forward to his monthly visit from a couple of church friends now that he’s in a care facility.

What did you think of Paul’s take on it? He seems to add a dimension that many people may not reflect on regularly. I don’t think I’m the only one grew up not knowing about the part of being “rightly prepared to receive this sacrament” (as in Luther’s Small Catechism). It makes a lot of sense.

Matthew 26:26-29 ? Where Jesus Is

Read Matthew 26:26-29

The setting was the upper room. Jesus was gathered with his dearest friends and followers. This would be Jesus’ last meal with them. Jesus knew what was coming, but the disciples did not fully understand. How fitting that it was the Passover feast, complete with a spotless lamb!

What would you have thought sitting at the table that night when Jesus said, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” Jesus’ body? Seriously? If the disciples had been paying attention, they might recall how Jesus had been preparing them for what was to come. Jesus would soon be crucified. That, too, must have really given them pause to fully accept.