Stewardship-The Last Supper

Stewardship Moment
Read by Phillip Rhoads

Sunday, October 23, 2022

From Matthew 26:26-29 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it He broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

You most likely hear these words quite frequently—the Words of Institution of the Lord’s Supper. They put us in a solemn mood as we reflect on what they mean and how they challenge us. Of course, we know the Last Supper occurred during the Passover. The Passover meal is a commemoration of the night when Israel escaped from bondage in Egypt. The people didn’t have time to let their bread rise, so they had to eat unleavened bread. The cup of wine represented the blood that was spread on the doorways so the Angel of Death could “pass over” the firstborn of the Israelites.

We may not think of communion as a stewardship moment, but if you read the passage carefully, you’ll see there are many stewardship words and phrases in it. “Take.” “Gave.” “Thanks.” “Forgiveness.” These words and concepts encourage us to be good stewards. They challenge us to think about stewardship in new and exciting ways.

Jesus gave of Himself—body, blood—to bring redemption to us and reconcile us to God. He has set the example for us. Stewardship is more than just giving money to build up God’s Realm. Stewardship involves all of our being—heart, soul, time, talent.