Luke 22:14-20 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.… During the sunshine of his prosperity, Napoleon I. thought little of God and religious duties. But when his power had been broken, and he was an exile at St. Helena, he began to see the vanity of earthly things, and became earnest and attentive to religion. Then it was that he returned a very remarkable answer to one who asked him what was the happiest day in his life. "Sire," said his questioner, "allow me to ask you what was the happiest day in all your life? Was it the day of your victory at Lodi? at Jena? at Austerlitz? or was it when you were crowned emperor?" No, my good friend, replied the fallen emperor, "it was none of these. It was the day of my first communion! That was the happiest day in all my life!" Sacramental service — I. HOW INTENSE THE SAVIOUR'S LOVE FOR US MUST HAVE BEEN, in that His desire was not extinguished by the knowledge that it was to be His death-feast. II. HOW CLOSE HIS FELLOWSHIP WITH MEN, as shown in that He desired to spend such an hour in their company. III. HOW EAGER THE MASTER WAS TO MAKE THE DISCIPLES REALIZE THE NEARNESS OF THE HEAVENLY BLESSING HE WOULD PURCHASE FOR THEM, and to give them a pledge of it for their assurance. "I will not eat any more thereof, until it be fulfilled," etc. The Lord's Supper, then instituted, is thus designed to be — 1. An evidence of Christ's undying love. 2. An assurance of His intimate fellowship. 3. A confirmation of His promise of the everlasting blessedness. (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.WEB: When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles. |
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