September 22, 2026 - Luke 22-23

Events in Jesus’ life and ministry are rapidly moving toward closure.  Before the end, however, Jesus had a meal with his disciples, and he explained and commanded, “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.’  And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood’” (22:19-20).  The bread and the cup, what a beautifully clear picture of Jesus’ sacrifice!  “Sacrifice” . . . now, that’s an interesting word, isn’t it?  I suspect, most of the time we use the word with a negative connotation, e.g.: “He sacrificed his vacation time in order to complete the project.”  “The company sacrificed quality for quantity.” And so on . . .  Indeed, there is a tragic and painful component here in the story of Jesus’ death but his death was toward a glorious and wonderful end:  “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:11) & “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10).  What can we say but, “Thank you, Jesus!”

What language shall I borrow

to thank Thee, dearest Friend,

for this, Thy dying sorrow,

Thy pity without end?

O make me Thine forever!

And should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never

outlive my love for Thee.   --Paul Gerhardt (1656)