Luke 22:14-20

Lindsey Shunkwiler

I am in a deep sleep, so deep in fact that the cry I am hearing is barely audible. It's hard to distinguish between real life and that of my subconscious. But as I lay there in the midst of my dreaming the crying becomes louder and more persistent. "It's your turn" my husband mumbles as he pokes me in the side and falls back to sleep. As I open one sleepy eye to look at the alarm clock the glow of the red numbers flash 2 a.m. at me.

I make my way to the basinet reach in and pick up my baby girl. I see her look up at me with her big blue eyes and wide toothless smile. My heart swells and I can't help but smile back. "This is what love is" I think to myself. It's not always easy to do, but I do it for the love of my children. To watch them grow and experience life is enough for me and it makes the sacrifice well worth it.

How do we as Christians choose to remember Jesus' ultimate sacrifice?

I cannot list the number of times I have sat in church hearing the Pastors recite "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood..." Then I would dutifully head to the front of the church to receive my communion. But what do those words, bread and wine truly represent? Am I receiving this communion and just going through the motions or am I really living out what Jesus had intended of his sacrifice?

Jesus tells his apostles, "I have been very eager to eat this meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." (Luke 22:15-26 NLT)

Jesus knew and accepted that he would suffer but he fulfilled God's promise to all of us. His Love for his children was worth his sacrifice. It is not enough to simply thank God for this gift but rather to show appreciation through serving. And isn't that the greatest way to thank him? Not by going through the motions but for us to pay it forward and show others that we are Christians and we honor God through acts of service.

Questions for Reflection:

• What are some things that you can do to help serve as a living reminder of God's sacrifice?
• How can we explain to others, who may not understand, the impact of receiving Communion and what it means to us as Christians?

Prayer:

Loving Lord, thank you for your ultimate sacrifice for me. When I get caught up in the midst of my busy life help me to remember your gift and honor you through serving. Amen