Maundy Thursday, 2008
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
Matt. 26:17-30
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
On this evening, we celebrate the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Our text states, “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 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 26:26-28 ESV)
Now as we meditate upon this text, we must first note that it is preferred to use the word “testament” rather than “covenant.” When we use the word “covenant” there is a lot of baggage attached to it. A covenant implies an agreement between two or more parties. Each party is given a certain set of responsibilities. Thus, we have neighborhood covenants. We have covenants in the classroom. We seem to have all kinds of covenants. Yet, in the institution of the Lord’s Supper, it is Christ alone who takes all the responsibility. He gives up His body and pours out His blood. This is not about something that we agree to do, but rather we receive what He has done.
The Greek word is better translated as testament. Thus, Jesus says, “this is my blood of the testament.” Hebrews chapter nine brings out the significance of using the word “testament” when it discusses the language of death, inheritance, and will. Starting at verse fifteen it states, “Therefore he is the mediator of a new [testament] covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.(Hebrews 9:15-17 ESV) Where there is a will, the inheritance is given because of the death of the testator.
Hebrews chapter nine goes on to say in verse eighteen,“Therefore not even the first [testament] covenant was inaugurated without blood.” This makes a clear distinction between the Old Testament in which the shedding of the blood of animals pointed to shedding of the blood of Jesus in the New Testament. The language of New Testament is used in the previous chapter of Hebrews. In chapter eight, the author quotes from the book of Jeremiah when he states, “Behold, the days are coming, declares theLord, when I will establish a new [testament] covenant with the house of Israel and with the house ofJudah, not like the [testament] covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my [testament] covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.” (Hebrews 8:8-9 ESV) The Old Testament of Moses pointed to the New Testament of Jesus.
Both Testaments are inaugurated with blood. Moses inaugurates the first testament at the base of Mt. Sinai which is recorded in Exodus chapter twenty-four. Hebrews chapter nine states, “For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the[testament] covenant that God commanded for you.” (Hebrews 9:19-20 ESV) The shedding of the blood in the old was a shadow pointing to the reality of the shedding of the blood of Jesus in the new. Both Moses and Jesus use the same language, “This is the blood of the testament.”
This language is not a symbolic language. Rather, it is a certain and clear language. It is the language of a testament. Moses sprinkled the people with the blood and said, “This is the blood of the testament.” He didn’t say, “This is a symbol of the blood.” Likewise, Jesus took the cup and gave it to the disciples to drink and He said, “This is the blood of the testament.” He didn’t say, “This is a symbol of the blood.”
In the testament, sure and certain language is used. Faith clings to the sure Word of God. Jesus didn’t say, “This is kind of sort of the blood of the testament.” No, He said, “This is the blood of the testament.” He promised and the proper way to receive a promise is to believe.
Just like in every day usage we make statements such as, “This is a really great movie.” “This is a wonderful meal.” Could you imagine the difference in meaning if is doesn’t mean is? Instead, the statement would state, “This is kind of sort of a really great movie.” This would mean that it is not a really great movie. To say, “This is kind of sort of a wonderful meal” means that it is not a wonderful meal. It either is or it is not.
To say that Jesus said, “Take and drink this is kind of sort of my blood of the testament.” You are stating that it is not really His blood. If you claim that Jesus said, “This is a symbol of my blood,” then you claim the opposite of what Jesus said. He said, “This is my blood” and you say, “This is not His blood.”
Jesus does not want to leave you in doubt wondering if this is kind of sort of His blood that was kind of sort of shed for the forgiveness of your sins. No, Jesus wants you to be sure and to believe His word of promise that this “is” His blood shed for the forgiveness of your sins.” Let us continue to humble ourselves and guard and keep the precious Word of Jesus given to us. Let us put reason and logic to death and live in faith trusting in His promises. His body was given for us and His blood was shed for us for the forgiveness of our sins. This gift is given to us in the Lord’s Supper. Let us receive this gift with thanksgiving. Amen.
