A Prayer about the Hope of the Last Supper

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take, eat, this is my body.’ Matthew 26:26

Lord God,

I confess, I too often read past Jesus’ profound words 

to his disciples without stopping to think 

how revolutionary they were (and still are).

The disciples were enjoying a Passover meal with Jesus. 

(They didn’t know it would be their last Passover with Jesus.) 

At Passover, the head of household 

recounted the day the Lord “passed over” the Israelites 

when he rescued them from the Egyptians. 

On that day, the Israelites marked their doorframes 

with the blood of a lamb, 

the sign to pass over that house 

and spare the firstborn sons (Exodus 12:12-13). 

Now Jesus says to his disciples, 

“I am becoming that lamb offering; 

I will be the substitute who takes the penalty for your sins.” 

Today, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, 

the cup of communion and the breaking of the bread 

are the sign and seal of his eternal blessing on us.  

May we settle our hearts in the hope and security 

this meal promises to every believer.

In the name of Jesus’ holy blood and body. Amen. 

Read Matthew 26:17-29.