MATTHEW 26:27-28

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

TO PONDER

We are talking about authority this week but also as we approach Easter Sunday, want to look at the story of Easter.

Maundy Thursday celebrates the night Jesus instituted the Lord's supper. And while I can't believe I'm doing this, there is a comparison to be made between Jesus actions at this special Passover meal, and current US President, Donald Trump.

Now before you all start sending me angry emails, let me explain. The passover meal was a reminder and part of the deal that God made with the Israelites when he rescued them from slavery in Egypt. They were to celebrate this meal as an annual reminder of what God had done for them. But on this night, Jesus is sent with the authority to renegotiate the terms of the deal.

Now whether or not you agree with Trump's approach or whether his policies will have the outcomes he desires, I'm sure he believes that renegotiating America's international trade is going to make things better for Americans, and as President, he has the power and authority to do that.

Jesus was sent to renegotiate the terms of God's promise of salvation and he did it for the benefit of his people. No longer would an annual sacrifice need to be made so that sins could be forgiven. God was upping the ante, he was offering his son as a once and for all sacrifice for all human sin and Jesus was the one who would offer himself as that sacrifice. No one else had the authority to reestablish God's promise with different parameters than God himself and a Human representative that could stand before God in perfect righteousness. Jesus fulfilled both those criteria and because of him, a new covenant, a new promise has been established in which God has provided the means for all people of all nations to be saved by the blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. That's the promise you receive every time you come to the Lord's Table, "given and shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins."

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting me to receive this new promise and to be part of this new covenant for which you gave your own body and blood as the atoning sacrifice for my sin. Help me to live each day in the freedom of your promise of mercy and forgiveness. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle