The Importance of the Jewish Passover to the Christian’s Holy Communion!

17 Apr 2025 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 26:28.       For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission (forgiveness) of sins.

At last it’s Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday, according to which religion or geographical area you belong to. Anyway, it’s the second saddest day of the year, after Good Friday. It’s the fifth day of Holy Week and is known for the Celebration of Christ’s Last Supper with His disciples, where He gave us the discipline of Holy Communion to remember Him by. 

That night Jesus also gave the disciples a warning example of the humility He expected from them, and consequently from us by washing their feet. It was one of the lowliest jobs in existence and was usually done by slaves. However, Jesus doffed His clothes and donned a towel and washed their feet letting them see and experience the full meaning of the words He had spoken to them before: ‘But he that is the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased (humbled); and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted (lifted up)’ (Matt. 23:11-12) 

But sadly that state of affairs doesn’t exist in today’s world nor enough in Christ’s church, for the current attitude is to exalt oneself above others; the higher, the better. Humility is a lost attitude in these proud and arrogant times, and when it’s found, it’s considered weakness and foolishness by the majority of our fellow men. But let’s not forget that Jesus’ kingdom is an upside down one, where you believe before you see, you humble yourself and not exalt it, and several other attitudes that the world considers nonsense. 

Anyway, on that famous night of the Last Supper, Jesus skewed  the usual Jewish Passover meal, when He sat with them in the room He had directed them to go and arrange. When they asked where they were to prepare the meal, He’d said: ‘Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master (teacher) saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.’ (Matt. 26:18) And they did as instructed. 

The Bible then tells us: ‘Now when the even (evening) was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?’ (Matt. 26:20-22) Can you imagine the consternation that surprise announcement must have made amongst the twelve, with each wondering if it would be them. 

But Jesus answered and said, ‘He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: (Dan. 9:26) but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He (Jesus) said unto him, Thou hast said (said it).’ (Matt. 26:23-24) Now the Bible doesn’t tell us what happened directly after those statements. But the scholars tell us that He that dippeth reveals the personal and intimate nature of the betrayal, and Thou hast said means “yes.” 

After those eye opening comments, the Bible continues: ‘And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, Drink ye all of it (drink from it all of you); For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission (forgiveness) of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.’ (Matt. 26:26-30) 

Yes friends, that’s the advent of what we call Holy Communion, the commemorating or honouring the memory of Jesus, of His sacrificial body and blood when we celebrate it. Now, let’s hear some interesting explanations from the scholars on what we’ve just read. As per ‘Jesus took bread: The head of the Jewish household was accustomed to doing this during the Passover feast. Jesus gave a completely new significance to the action. This is my body: During the Passover feast, the Jewish householder took bread in hand and said, “This is the bread of affliction which our fathers ate in the land of Egypt,” meaning of course, that one represented the other. 

By His words the Lord changed the whole significance and emphasis  of the feast from looking back to the typical redemption from Egypt to faith in the redemption from sin accomplished by His death. The bread and wine were only outward symbols of our Lord’s death. Nothing in the Gospels indicates that these were to be viewed as a means of grace, sacraments, or that they were physically necessary for one’s salvation. Per The cup: Three cups were passed around by the Jewish householder during the Passover meal; the third, which is probably the one referred to here, being known as “the cup of blessing.”  

Then My blood of the new testament taken from the Greek Septuagint version (the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) of Exodus 24:8, with allusions to Jeremiah 31:31 and Zechariah 9:11. The covenant in Exodus 24:8 was sealed with blood. The word testament can also mean a covenant. Shed for many for the remission of sins: Here is a clear statement that the death of Jesus was necessary to enable God to forgive sins. It, in fact made it right or morally justifiable for Him to do so. That day refers to the time when He comes again in glory.’ 

Now, I do hope that we all learned some new and interesting stuff from the scholars explanations. I did. But it’s time to for us to declare (oh no!!!) our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings the Lord bestowed on us do His earthly work. So let’s do that as one loud and sincere voice nuh. ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

That means we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings on behalf of others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…Holy Communion…serves to remind us…of the overall importance of Jesus…especially His sacrificial death…

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Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 April 2023 Matthew 26:28.

06 Apr 2023 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 26:28. For this is my blood of the new testament (covenant), which is shed for many for the remission (forgiveness) of sins.

And then it was Thursday; Maundy Thursday. And we wish you all a Happy Maundy Thursday! It might not have been such a happy day in Jesus’ life, neither in ours right now, as we contemplate the next few days of tragic happenings, but it was indeed a special one, where He set certain parameters in our faith, and left us several examples to follow. Maundy Thursday was the day in Jesus’ life when, as we say, everything came to bump, meaning that He had finally reached the stage when there’s no turning back. 

On that Thursday, certain things happened that reminds us of the passionate moments of Jesus’ life. And we are invited to remember and celebrate these four events: the Last Supper, the Washing of the Apostle’s Feet by Jesus, Christ’s agony and prayer in Gethsemane, and the arrest of Jesus. At the Last Supper, He offered Himself as the sacrificial Lamb, with such humility and selflessness that makes Him the perfect example of those attributes. 

Now this was a time of the celebration of the Passover Feast in Jerusalem, one of the most sacred days in the Jewish Calendar, reminding them of that time during their slavery in Egypt, when the Angel of Death passed over Egypt and killed every first born son, but spared the Jews, because of the lamb’s blood on the lintel of their doors. (Ex. 12) 

On that night Jesus sat with His twelve disciples celebrating. ‘And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord is it I? And He answered and said, he that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had never been born. Then Judas which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He (Jesus) said unto him, Thou hast said (it).’ (Matt. 26:21-24) 

Oh my people, can you imagine the consternation, the doubt and grief engendered by Jesus’ comment that one of His closest supplicants would betray Him. And the scholars explain:  ‘Jesus’ reply to Judas Thou hast said means “yes.” He that dippeth reveals the personal and intimate nature of the betrayal.’ But that was only the first of several eye-opening occasions on that fateful evening. 

After that, the Good Book tells: ‘And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup (of wine), and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it (drink from it all of you). For this is my blood of the new testament (covenant), which is shed for many for the remission (forgiveness) of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ (Matt. 26:26-29) 

Right there we have it friends, the celebration of what we call ‘The Eucharist, or Holy Communion,’ as a memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus, in response to his words at the final meal he shared with his disciples, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ (Luke 22:19 ) Thus, when we receive communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and we grow in LOVE for one another as Jesus commanded us. 

And what do the scholars say about Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper. As per ‘Jesus took bread: The head of the Jewish household was accustomed to doing this during the Passover feast. Jesus gave a completely new significance to the action.’ Then, as per ‘This is my body: During the Passover feast the Jewish householder took bread in his hand and said, This is the bread of affliction which our fathers ate in the land of Egypt,’ meaning, of course, that one represented the other. By His words the Lord changed the whole significance and emphasis of the feast from looking back to the typical redemption from Egypt to faith in the redemption from sin accomplished by His death. 

The bread and wine were only outward symbols of our Lord’s death. Nothing in the gospels indicates that these were to be viewed as a means of grace, sacraments, or that they were physically necessary for one’s salvation.’ Meanwhile, as per ‘The cup: Three cups were passed around by the Jewish householder during the Passover meal; the third, which is probably the one referred to here, being known as “the cup of blessing.” 

And ‘My blood of the new testament taken from the Greek Septuagint version of Exodus 24:8, with allusions to Jeremiah 31:31 and Zechariah 9:11. The covenant in Exodus 24: 8 was sealed with blood. Now, as per ‘Shed for many the remission of sins: Here is a clear statement that the death of Jesus was necessary to enable God to forgive sins. It, in fact, made it right or morally justified for Him to do so.’ 

Ah friends, so much happened on that penultimate day of Jesus’ life that we don’t have time nor space to recount it all in detail. But we do know that after supper Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, (John 13:2-17) which was another eye-opener for the disciples; their Master doing a slave’s job. And when Peter refused, Jesus simply told him: ‘If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.’ (John 2:8) It was a powerful example as Jesus told them. ‘If I then, your Lord and Master (Teacher), have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.’ (John 2:14) That’s a picture of the humility and selflessness we were talking about earlier. 

Then Jesus told them about their being offended by the things that were going to happen to Him, but Peter as usual refused to accept Christ’s words, claiming he would never be offended or leave Jesus. At which point, Jesus told Peter about his denying Him thrice before the cock crowed twice. (Matt. 26:31-35) Then they went into the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus, with heavy heart and sorrowful soul prayed for a reprieve from His Father, but none was forthcoming. (Matt. 26:36-46) 

Finally, Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and all the disciples fled the scene. (Matt. 26:47-57) Then while Jesus was being questioned by the high priest Caiaphas, Peter denied knowing him three times before the cock crowed twice, and the Lord just looked at him, with an ‘I told you so’ look. And Peter went outside and wept bitterly. (Matt. 26:69-75) Yes my fellow saints, Maundy Thursday was indeed a busy and important day for our Lord and Saviour. But you’ll notice that though His soul was burdened, He nonetheless stepped up to the plate and batted the most wonderful innings ever played! 

Now that is a most worthy example for us to follow, especially since we’ve been generously granted what we call our Thursday Blessings, of which we’re not worthy, but have been bestowed them to help us do Christ’s work here on earth. So, let’s declare (yesss!!!) them so that they can be activated. Altogether now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! 

I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

Now it’s time for us to go out and do the work that we’ve been so generously blessed to do! Much LOVE!

…though also God…in His humanity…Jesus was indeed…a man amongst men…a class act…no doubt about it… 

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 December 2013 1 Corinthians 12:12

12 Dec 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Corinthians 12:12.    For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

 
Ah Friends, as I keep saying, when it’s not one thing, it’s always another! The past few days the main C.P. unit of my computer has been acting up, throwing hissy fits and tantrums, and having solved that, now today it’s the printer.
 
Earlier on, it kept telling me that the yellow cartridge was empty, or it couldn’t detect it. But I know it’s full, and only a couple of days ago I printed stuff. So I put something to print, but it kept telling me the same nonsense. Then, like it asked, I took out the yellow cartridge a few times and put it back in ‘slowly’ as advised. But I kept getting the same result.
 
Then in a small fit of anger I slapped it a couple times. And lo and behold, it finally recognized the yellow cartridge and printed the document without a problem. Oh Friends, I had to chuckle, but it’s the same thing we need to do with some of the spoiled brats we have running around our society.
 
The funny thing though is it’s now telling me that the yellow cartridge is full and the black one, which was just showing as being full, is now very low.
 
Ah Lord eh! Now why would I want to have all that temperamental equipment around me eh? Software is now running everything, and like rebellious children, at times it chooses to do its own thing.
 
Oh for the wonderful mechanical things of yesteryear! At least when they acted up, you knew it was a mechanical problem and had some idea of where to look for it. And that’s my rant for the day! (smile)
 
Now let’s get to our Bit, the same as yesterday, for there is more scripture to be shared on it. ‘For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.’
 
Now yesterday we saw where Bruh Paul declared the ONENESS of our great and wonderful Triune God, in both the Holy Communion and the Holy Spirit. Today, let’s listen as he tells the Ephesians about that ONE GOD.
 
‘There is ONE body, and ONE Spirit, even as ye are called in ONE hope of your calling; ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.’ (Eph.4:4-7)
 
And here are some of the scholars’ thoughts on the scripture. ‘4:4-6. This passage elaborates on the “unity of the Spirit” (v.3). This ONENESS among Christians refers to having (1) one body – the one body of Christ, the Christian church; (2) one Spirit – the same Holy Spirit who imparts the same spiritual life to all believers; 
 
(3) one hope – all Christians share the same future certainty and are headed toward the same heavenly destination; (4) one Lord – all submit to the same divine ruler, Jesus; (5) one faith – all believers have placed the same trust in Christ for salvation;
 
(6) one baptism – Holy Spirit baptism at the time of salvation (1 Cor. 12-13); and (7) one God and Father – all believers in Christ have the same God and heavenly Father.’
 
Oh Friends, I couldn’t put it any better, and I hope that ONENESS that ought to exist in all Christian relationships has finally found root in our hearts, because without that most necessary understanding, and subsequent action, Christ’s church, His LOVE Revolution would simply fail.
 
Now here is some more info from the scholars’ that ought to help us better understand the scripture that we’ve read. ‘4:7. But draws a sharp contrast with the preceding “unity” (v.3), expressed in the seven fold “one” of verses 4-6 and in the fourfold “all” of verse 6.
 
The contrast in verses 7-16 shows that there is a diversity within Christian unity: while the church is one, there is a variety of spiritual gifts within, given for the church’s benefit. Grace is a spiritual gift. Every one of us has been granted some spiritual capability to serve God and contribute to the church’s growth.
 
According to the measure of the gift of Christ: Jesus determines both what gift each believer is given, and the amount (measure) of that gift. Two persons may be given the same gift, but one may have a greater measure of that gift than does the other.’
 
Oh Friends, that’s just a natural fact of life that as true believers we must learn to accept, and stop letting it build jealousy, resentment and dissension amongst us, because that’s exactly what happens when we look at the gifts of others and compare them to ours.
 
In the long run we’ll either get too proud and figure that we’re better than them, or feel inferior, thinking we’re not good enough. I know it’s difficult to do, because human nature simply thrives on comparison, and unfortunately each option has negative consequences.
 
But as fellow believers we must learn to realize that it’s not about us, individually, but about us as a totality, Christ’s church, and resist and let go of whatever negative feelings may crop up. Sadly though these negative comparisons and resentment and jealousies are rampant in the church.
 
Oh my people, they’re like a serious rot in Christ’s body that we need to eradicate as soon as possible, because if it gets any worse, the church will eventually fall apart, and that’s something we can’t afford to let happen on our watch.
 
So my brethren, as of today, let’s stop comparing gifts and whatever else that causes jealousy and resentment in the body of Christ nuh. And instead let’s start feeling good and glad and grateful for all the gifts that Christ has given us, so that we can accomplish our purpose here on earth, namely to glorify God and further His righteous kingdom.
 
Now that’s divine wisdom in all its splendour! Much LOVE!
 
…in Christ’s church…self…should be a little thought of or used term…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 December 2013 1 Corinthians 12:12

11 Dec 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 1 Corinthians 12:12. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
 
And here it is Friends, a bitterly cold Wednesday morning, two weeks before Christmas Day. Ah Lord eh! Meanwhile in sunny climes like T&T, the sun’s shining hot and bright, and the living is comparatively easy. Steups!
 
No need for thick, heavy coats and boots, scarves, gloves, hats and the like to ward off winter’s chill. But to a certain extent the weather conditions here do make us a hardier stock of people, and I can tell you that from hard, personal experience.
 
But though it can be sometimes rough, the weather in no way diminishes our celebrations. For like the wise and godly people we are, we’ve found numerous ways over the years to harness our weather to that wonderful joy we find in the birth of Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
 
The weather certainly doesn’t stop us from getting out and about and enjoying activities with others. In fact this is our party season! But to tell the truth, I’d rather be in T&T, or some other warm and sunny clime right now. At my advanced age (smile) the cold does get to you. And believe me, after 41 years of it… Chuh! I can certainly do with a break.
 
But sadly that doesn’t seem to be in God’s plans for me, so I’ll just have to shut up, and grin and bear it. The good thing though is the reality of the cold doesn’t stop me from seeing and experiencing the warm sunshine, golden beaches and calm, blue seas in my mind’s eye. Yes Friends, I’m seeing them through the eyes of faith! Hn, hn!
 
Anyway mih breddren, enough ‘preambling’, (smile) let’s turn now to our Bit. ‘For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.’
 
As you can see, though it’s a different piece of scripture, were’ still dealing with the ONENESS of Christ’s church, although it contains many different functioning parts. And it is indeed a crucial aspect of our faith, my people!
 
An aspect that all believers should know, understand and fully believe, otherwise we’ll never truly attain that ONENESS, that unity, that togetherness that’s oh so necessary and important in any undertaking whatsoever, especially such a monumental undertaking as faith in Christ, and building and growing His church.
 
And to enhance the importance of that ONENESS, listen to Bruh Paul earlier on in this missive to the church at Corinth. ‘The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion (fellowship) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion (fellowship) of the body of Christ? For we being many are ONE bread, and ONE body: for we are all partakers of that ONE bread.’ (1 Cor.10:16-17)
 
Yes Friends, it’s the same thing with the Holy Communion; we all participate of a small portion of ONE entity – Christ’s body and blood!
 
And as Bruh Paul continues after our Bit: ‘For by ONE Spirit are we all baptized into ONE body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond (slaves) or free; and have been made to drink into ONE Spirit. For the body is not ONE member, but many.’ (1 Cor.12:13-14)
 
Again Friends, we’re reminded about the ONENESS of God’s operation, through the ONE Holy Spirit, which caters to all believers.
 
And here’s what the scholars have to say about that verse. ’12:13. Are we all baptized into one body: This is not the baptism of water but the baptism of the Spirit. This has the same meaning as the expression and have been all made to drink into one Spirit: This fulfills Matthew 3:14; John 1:33; and Acts 1:5.
 
That this baptism is common to all believers at Corinth is implied by the fact that Paul does not exhort them to be baptized by the Spirit. Rather, he asserts that they have all been baptized. The believer does not tarry or pray for this baptism. It occurs at the moment of regeneration (rebirth, being born again). This passage is clear that all believers have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.’
 
So my people, it is of the utmost importance that we really see the gravity of Christ’s church working together in unity, as ONE! For just as our God consists of a trinity, it is still in fact only ONE GOD, broken down for different purposes.
 
And on that rather important point, we’ll end today’s proceedings. Please ponder all that we’ve said, and check out the scripture references above. Much LOVE!
 
…unity is always the key…to any kind of success… 
 
P.S. Ah mih people, please excuse the lateness of the Bit, but in the last couple of days my computer and I have been on different wave lengths. Steups! Like a sinful human, it’s been rebelling on me, wanting to do its own thing. But with the Lord’s help we’ll soon bring it to heel. Note how the Bit’s short too. (smile) Much LOVE!