A few friends of mine are often teasing me when we gather to pray that it’s what I’m ‘paid’ to do. For some persons think that’s the only function of a pastor. It’s not the only role; but it’s a very significant one, which many of us, pastors and lay persons, take for granted. Prayer is powerful and can be transformative. Take, for instance, Jesus’ prayer in today’s Holy Nougat
“And when He had taken bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.””
Luke 22:19 AMP
It’s part of our communion liturgy, a regular aspect of our lives; yet there’s still that wondrous element attached. It’s one thing to give sacrificially, a completely different way of life to give knowing your gift will be unappreciated and taken for granted. Even more astounding when the sacrifice being made is our life!
And yet, that was THE point of Jesus’ incarnation; His raison d’être, that was the crux of Jesus’ purpose. To offer His human life as a substitute for ours. We scarcely register that fact, and perhaps miss the impact of His prayer for the bread at that Last Supper.
Jesus and His disciples often ate (and drank) together. There was nothing new in the Fact of the meal. And, according to the historical context, He had celebrated at least two Passovers with them. Praying before breaking the bread was par for the course.
Praying, knowing that this was the last time they would ALL eat together in that manner – could not have been easy. And definitely not with the knowledge of betrayal and abandonment! But Jesus saw beyond all the pain, the literal, emotional and spiritual brokenness to the glory that was on the other side. Jesus knew He would rise again. He knew that ALL was not lost. He saw (people like) you and me learning about Him and coming into a full and abiding relationship with God.
And so, our Jesus gave thanks.
I believe that Jesus gave thanks for the opportunity to become human and experience life the way we do. I believe He gave thanks for the food being prepared for the symbolic sacrifice on all our behalf. I believe that Jesus Christ gave thanks for the bread on behalf of us who take Him for granted. I believe that Jesus gave thanks for His human capacity to follow through with the divine mandate, of giving His life in exchange for ours.
Now that is life transforming!
Next time we pause to share in the commemoration of that precious Feast, can we truly give thanks for Jesus’ and His gift of life?
