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Day 303

And killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. "Acts 3:15"

Day 303 – Mark 14

“And killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.” Acts 3:15

THE LORD’S SUPPER

The Passover tradition was something that the Disciples were very familiar with. The meal consisted of the sacrificial lamb, the bread, the wine, even the bitter herbs and the earth-colored gravy that went with the bread. But they were taken by surprise when Jesus added a new element.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread,
blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said,
‘Take, eat; this is My body.’
Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks
He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
And He said to them, ‘This is My blood of the New Covenant,
which is shed for many.'”
MARK 14:22-24

1. The New Covenant

How well did the Disciples know the doctrine, the promise, the prophecy of the “New Covenant”? Jesus had not mentioned the New Covenant (as far as we know) to the Disciples in His teachings. Suddenly, He introduced it in the most startling way.

2. This is My Body

This was such a staggering statement to absorb! What did Jesus mean? The silence of the Disciples revealed much. They knew that Jesus was once again speaking of His impending death. Sorrow upon sorrow! Betrayal and death! This Passover meal would never be forgotten.

3. This is My blood

Jesus reinforced the thought that He had introduced to His Disciples earlier. He would soon face death. His blood would be shed.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

There were many ways in which the Old Covenant was remembered. The Passover was one of those special things required by the Old Covenant. Jesus encouraged His disciples to look way beyond the Old Covenant and all it represented. The New Covenant must now be their focus.

“Assuredly, I say to you. I will no longer drink of the fruit of
the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
MARK 14:25

Jesus would no longer celebrate the Passover with His Disciples. The “kingdom of God” that He had preached was not just rhetoric or mere symbolism. That kingdom that He had preached would be realized one day. The New Covenant ushered in the reality of the kingdom of God.