By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
How Do We Remember?
Matthew 26:17–30
Preparation (17–19)
The final week of Jesus’ life before His crucifixion coincided with the celebration of the Passover. This was no accident.
Each aspect of the Passover meal, initially done in celebration of the exodus from Egypt, corresponds with the atoning sacrifice that would be made through Christ. The entire exodus out of Egypt is a prefiguring of Christ coming to save us from sin.
For example the Israelites were told to slaughter an unblemished lamb (or goat) and put its blood around the doorframe of their house. Those who did this were spared the wrath of God. In the houses of those who did not put the blood on the doorposts, the firstborn males were killed by the Lord (see Ex. 12).
This event is a foreshadowing of Christ’s atoning work. Christ is the sacrifice for the people — the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, according to John 1:29. And for those who accept the sacrifice, the blood is applied to them; they are not subjected to God’s wrath.
However, for those who do not accept Christ’s sacrifice, God’s wrath is poured out on them and they will experience an eternal separation from God in hell.
Betrayal (20–25)
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is seen as the worst type of treachery. One who had experienced the glory of Jesus, seen His countless miracles and was entrusted with taking care of the money bag betrayed the perfect Son of God.
Why Judas decided to turn on his master is up for debate. Some say he was dissatisfied that Jesus was wasting money. Others say he was trying to force Jesus to bring in His kingdom and end Roman occupation. What is certain is that Judas made a choice to turn Jesus over to the authorities and is responsible for his actions.
Some feel bad for Judas, saying that since this was preordained he had no choice in the matter (see John 17:12 which references the betrayal as a fulfillment of Scripture).
However, throughout Scripture we see two truths — God is sovereign and man is responsible.
Man is always responsible for his actions even though God is sovereign. These two truths are clearly presented in the Bible and we need to do our best to accept the balance.
Remembrance (26–30)
Here at the Passover meal Jesus presented the model for communion. By breaking the bread and saying, “This is My body,” and offering the cup saying, “This is My blood,” Jesus was using a visual representation of what was going to happen to Him on the cross.
His death is given for the forgiveness of sin.
Jesus went to the cross willingly — He knew what He was going to face and He did it anyway for us. We need to be grateful for the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf.
There are some who believe the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ. However, the best reading indicates Jesus is using figurative language, just as Jesus used metaphorical language like “I am the gate” and “I am the bread of life.”
Regardless of one’s particular view, the important thing to remember is that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial in which we reflect on what Christ has done for us, refocusing on the redeeming salvific death of Christ.
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