Leaning Against Jesus

“He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” Luke 22:19

These were the words Christ spoken to His disciples at The Last Supper. This would have followed the re-enactment of the Exodus which is what every Jewish family did to observe the Passover. The gathering would actually involve the youngest child asking certain questions prompting the others to act out the fleeing from Egypt. At The Last Supper, John would most likely have assumed the responsibility of questioning since he was believed to be the youngest among the disciples. This re-enactment had much more significance than any other Passover celebration ever experienced before. This actual Passover celebration provided reality instead of representation. The Passover Lamb now had a face with no blemishes and His name was Jesus.

The disciples had no idea of the significance in which they were called to participate. They were simply being obedient to an old tradition and communing with Jesus. The realization of what unfolded before their eyes didn’t become clear until after the sacrifice and the Lamb had been slain. We cannot know the spiritual impact of our obedience in service and response to God. The word commune is defined as ‘experiencing a deep emotional or spiritual relationship with something or someone.’ This was the emotional climate of the Upper Room that night. A powerful and traditional demonstration shared between a group of men who shared deep and emotional relationships with each other. At one point, Scripture tells us that John was leaning against Jesus. (John 13:25) What a beautiful image…his back against the chest of the Lamb who sacrificed all.

Notice that Jesus gave thanks in the brokenness of the bread He offered. When we face impending suffering we can know that Jesus can relate to our fears and dread. Our brokenness can connect with Christ as He offered His brokenness represented by the broken bread. We can lean against Jesus just as John did when communion is being shared and fellowship is being experienced.

In the referenced Scripture for today, I believe that Christ was not speaking of a one time sacrifice but a two way participation with Him. Just as He gave up His body for us we are to give up our lives for Him continuously.

Do this in remembrance of what He did for us.