Introduction
There are many Christians who do not realize the value of the gospel. They think the gospel isn’t the most important thing in Christianity; we need to differentiate the true gospel and the false gospel. Jesus’ demonstration is an experience of the 5 senses for the gospel to be imprinted in our lives. Is the gospel everything in our lives?
Traditionally, during the Passover, families would gather together under the head of the household and drink wine four times, and eat specific prepared foods, to commemorate and pass on the story of the Passover. Israelites were enslaved under Egypt, yet the 9 plagues could not set them free. Only when they spread the blood of the young lamb, were they finally liberated. Who is the Passover Lamb? Jesus.
1. The Importance of the Bread
“And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it, broke it and gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’” (Mark 14:22)
The bread symbolizes the body of Christ, which was broken for us. Without understanding the symbolism and reason, the Lord’s Supper is meaningless. The Israelites were under the bondage of Egypt, like people today are under the bondage of sin, Satan and curses, unable to escape. From the moment we were first cursed, God promised us the gospel, which came to fruition through Jesus Christ. Jesus’ brutal death became our exodus. Although the Israelites spread the blood of the passover lamb, their sacrifice was imperfect. As a result, throughout Leviticus and Deuteronomy, the Israelites needed to continue to sacrifice for every sin they committed. However, Jesus is the perfect, spotless sacrifice who was able to be our complete solution once and for all. We have been liberated from sin, Satan and curses, yet we don’t live enjoying that freedom. Jesus broke his body, shed all his blood and died and our spiritual problems, because there is no other way. We were hell-bound, unable to escape our fate, but Jesus came and died in our place, freely. Are we still living lives that are delivered by the bread of Christ?
2. The Importance of the Wine
“And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drink of it. And he said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.’” (Mark 14:23-24)
The wine symbolizes the blood Jesus shed, but also represents the new covenant. Our sins have been cleansed and forgiven and we are white as snow. His blood has washed all our sins away, casted away every curse and crushed Satan’s head. There was absolutely no way to be saved, yet Jesus came and became the only way. To correctly understand the gospel, we need to understand the unique spiritual problem that nothing but Christ could solve. We were separated from God, enslaved under sin, Satan and curses. This is the unique problem all of man is subject to. The only unique solution/answer to this unique problem is Jesus Christ. Because Jesus was slaughtered on our behalf, we are cleansed and free. We are so close to God and his plan, but we still live like prisoners.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
3. Understanding the Significance of the Incompleteness of Christian Life
“Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of of God.” (Mark 14:25)
The Israelites drank the fourth cup of wine to complete the Passover, yet Jesus says he will not drink the last cup until the Kingdom of God until he drinks it new in the Kingdom of God. Jesus leaves the meal incomplete to show God’s plan is unfinished. We are living with the purpose of God’s will. How? By we holding on to the covenant: the body and blood of Christ. Do I have my personal God-given mission? With this mission, we will never be shaken or lost. Am I walking with God? Or am I distant from God? God desires to have fellowship with us through Christ. Let’s restore true fellowship with God.
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Conclusion:
Let’s remember the body and blood of Christ, as well as our covenant journey. Everyday, let’s choose God’s grace over everything else in our lives. And within his time schedule, God will make the impossible possible. However, Satan continues to work in our lives, blocking our ears and numbing our hearts. We have every right, power and authority to fight against Satan to receive grace. All we need is God’s grace and God will do the rest.