Sunday, 5 November 2023
A FORMAL PROCLAMATION OF HIS DEATH
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you (John 6:53).
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul shares an important revelation he received from the Lord. He recounts the events of the night the Lord Jesus was betrayed, highlighting the profound significance of the Holy Communion. Although John's account of that night does not explicitly mention the Communion, it provides valuable insights into other significant details.
On that night, Paul narrates: Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to His disciples and said, "Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
Similarly, He took the "Cup" after supper, saying, 'This cup is the New Testament in my blood. As often as you drink it, do it in remembrance of me." Through partaking in the Communion, we announce or proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come" (1 Corinthians 11:26).
The word "shew" in the verse above carries a profound meaning. It is translated from the Greek word "kataggello," which goes beyond simply displaying or showing something. It conveys the idea of "declaring" or "announcing." When we eat the bread and drink the cup, we're making a formal declaration and proclamation.
The significance of the Communion lies in its connection to the last testament or will of Jesus Christ. The last will of a person before their death holds tremendous importance. Therefore, when we partake of the bread and cup, we're not only participating in a symbolic act but also declaring and announcing the New Testament-the final will of the Lord.
In that will, Jesus bequeaths His wealth, rights, and privileges to us. He delivered everything to us. That will is now in force. The beauty of it all lies in His resurrection; the resurrection of Jesus ensures that no one can cheat us out of the blessings and provisions of His will. Blessed be God!
PRAYER: Thank you Lord Jesus for your vicarious sacrifice and the New Testament established through your blood. Therefore, I emphasize my victory over Satan, the world and its elements. I have eternal victory and dominion over sin, sickness, disease, death and the devil. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 9:15-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 4:14- 5:1-10 & Jeremiah 44-47
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 10:1-10 &1 Chronicles 5