Nougat 11

I confess, sometimes when I read the Bible with my hindsight vision, I think the disciples were not focused. Consider today’s Holy Nougat for example

“For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus had warned the disciples of His death before. And even if He hadn’t, the clues were clear. Not only was he saying that He would die, but He also had some kind of return plans. In both references to the meal they were sharing – the food and the drink – Jesus made reference to the unfolding situation.

Although His parables often referenced the Kingdom of God, it was usually with regard to describing it: ‘The Kingdom of God is like …’ followed by a parable. In this instance, Jesus noted that it was His final Passover feast before the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God. Or, in the words of John, Jesus was about to ‘go to prepare a place for’ the disciples (and us all). Put simply, it was the Last Supper.

Interestingly, Jesus didn’t promise so much to return immediately after His death, but in this context alluded to a return – more specifically, to a grand feast when the Kingdom of God becomes a reality. At this point, I think the disciples were getting perturbed and missed the real point for the moment.

Jesus was about to establish the memorial feast that in some ways overshadows the Passover meal. For the Passover Seder then, although also a memorial focused on the past. This was an anticipatory new feast. It was to remind the disciples (and us by extension) that the Kingdom of God will come ‘on earth as it is in Heaven.’

It was an inclusive meal, yet exclusive – a family affair between Jesus and His closest. Even Judas was there. And today, it’s open to all in the family. God’s family. We don’t get to judge. Everyone who sees themselves as part of the family of God ought to be welcomed, just as Jesus did. For the Feast is not a determinant of salvation, but an anticipation of His Second Coming. Or, as we say in some liturgies, ‘Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again!’

Since we have the benefit of hindsight, I pray we will understand and participate meaningfully in this anticipatory memorial. *Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again*! Hallelujah

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May all we seek be found in Christ