Matthew 26:26-29 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take… I. THE WORDS OF THE SAVIOUR AS THEY REGARD THE ACT IN WHICH HIMSELF AND HIS FOLLOWERS WERE THEN ENGAGED. They were drinking of "the fruit," or, more properly, "the product" of the vine. Not a mere ordinary social communion, but in direct connection with the Passover. Christ did not design to honour a Jewish rite as commemorating a national deliverance, but as typical, holding a relationship to Him and the economy of which He was the head. 1. That the Lord Jesus led His followers to regard the Passover as being representative of His mediatorial sufferings and death. 2. The Saviour led His followers to consider the Passover as originating an ordinance to be perpetuated for important purposes throughout all the ages of the Christian Church. II. The words of the Saviour as they regard THE EVENTS HE TAUGHT HIS FOLLOWERS TO ANTICIPATE, 1. An event of approaching" separation — "I will not henceforth drink of the fruit of the vine until" a certain period afterwards-named; He and His disciples were bound to part. 2. An event of ultimate re-union — "When I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." 3. All the followers of the Saviour shall be brought to " the Father's kingdom." 4. The mediation of Jesus Christ, of which the Paschal rite is to be regarded as a:permanent and symbolical pledge, is of such a nature as to secure that all those who have possessed a personal interest in that mediatorial work shall be brought into a state of glorious redemption in the bright worlds which lie beyond the grave. 5. The followers of the Saviour shall possess unspeakable and everlasting joy. The drinking of wine indicates the fruition of all delight. 6. The pleasures which are to be enjoyed by the followers of the Saviour in the Father's kingdom are especially to be regarded as associated with His presence. How pre-eminently in the New Testament is the presence of Christ set forth as constituting the happiness of the celestial world (John 12:26). Learn (1) How vast and wonderful is the love of Christ to man. (2) The vast importance of being numbered amongst the followers of Christ ourselves. (J. Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. |
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