Key Passage: Matthew 26:17-30

Topic: Jesus; Salvation

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:27-28, ESV)

Jesus and His friends are feasting together in celebration of the Jewish Passover. The Passover is a time to remember how God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. It's a celebration steeped in rituals--a service meant to be held in a home (as Jesus and His friends did) rather than in a synagogue.

But no part of the ritual includes passing a cup and saying the words Jesus spoke here: "Each of you drink...this is my blood. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many."

His disciples were probably surprised and confused when they heard words that weren't part of the Passover ritual. But later, after His resurrection, they began to understand these words (John 2:22). They recognized that His blood had been shed to rescue all mankind from the bondage of sin.

We celebrate that deliverance and remember what He did for us every time we take communion in our churches. Just like the Jews were freed from physical bondage in Egypt, Christians celebrate their freedom from the bondage to sin every time they observe communion and remember Jesus' sacrifice.