I feel like I'm jumping the gun as I get ahead of the timeline of Holy week, but as I read this, I think, wow, today this is the unity that is essential.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."
Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. -Mark 14:22-26
I love how in this communion, we participate. But I notice that thought the disciples partake, they don't offer anything. They surely offer praise in a hymn. They even offer their presence, and submit their individual will to that of Christ. But there is no value that comes from something they are doing.
We are nourished by the meal. We receive strength. The Covenant is fulfilled. God's promises are coming true in this Supper.
I also think shame on us for the times people have thought to add to or subtract from the glorious offering Jesus makes here. It seems like there are times we make small the sacrifice of our Lord by making large the interpretation we apply to it. Maybe I struggle because I have spent more time in discussion of the meal than I have in the partaking of it.
I pray, God, that you would provide blessings as we teach people of communion--that the purpose of the teaching would always be that the teaching itself fades in the face of your real presence in the sacrifice.
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