Jesus’ Body is the Bread

PRAY OVER THIS

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’” Matthew 26:26

 

PONDER THIS

As Jewish families observed Passover through the centuries, they developed a tradition. They would take a bag called a Matzah Tash with three sections in it—top, middle, and bottom. In the middle section would be a piece of bread. At Passover, the father would reach into the middle section, pull out the piece of bread, break it, and give it to all of those around. It’s still done in Seder suppers today. At the Last Supper, Jesus reached in and took that middle piece of unleavened bread. And Jesus said, “This is my body.” He took that middle piece, broke it, and distributed it. When Jesus blessed that bread, not only was He showing His death by breaking the bread, but He was also showing His resurrection.

Do you know what is said when the bread is taken out at Passover? Here it is: “Blessed art thou, o Lord, our God, King of the universe, who bringeth forth bread from the earth.” Jesus was prophesying His resurrection. He was the bread that would be broken and come from the earth. “This is my body.” From the ground, it would be raised.

How does it build your faith to see the connection to Jesus in ancient practices such as the Passover meal?

How does it impact your daily life to regularly reflect on the resurrection?

PRACTICE THIS

Reflect on Matthew 26:26-29, contemplating the truth of Jesus’ body broken for you and His blood poured out for you.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers