While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
—Matthew 26:26-29
So much of what Jesus taught about Himself is about fulfillment. He taught that He came to fulfill the law—but fulfillment is a difficult concept for us to grasp. From the beginning, Jesus knew His purpose. He knew the entire encyclopedia of Hebrew Scriptures and understood their meaning perfectly. He never lost sight of His purpose.
The Sedar meal is about celebrating God’s rescue of His people from Egypt, sparing their oldest sons through the fresh blood of an innocent lamb—and now, waiting with hope for the return of the Messiah and the joyful restoration of Israel. During this meal, this last supper with His disciples, Jesus showed them that He was the fulfillment of all those things. Jesus was going to shed His innocent blood so that His people could live and be free. Not free from earthly nations and oppressors this time, but free from sin and free from death. Jesus was the sacrifice, the Messiah they were waiting for. Jesus was the way to know life and freedom.
Jesus was the king they had been waiting for, the king who would bring about a new era. But not an era in which Israel would gain political power and overthrown their oppressors. Instead, an era in which Jesus would be King over Jews and Gentiles from all time periods and all nations. The Kingdom of Heaven is so much more than the disciples could imagine. It is so much more than we can imagine.
Sometimes I think to myself, “Well, I know Jesus fulfills the requirements, but does He have to fulfill all of them? Can’t I fulfill some?” I don’t like feeling completely helpless. But the reality is that while there is work I am commanded to do, there is absolutely nothing I can do to earn a relationship with God.
Jesus fulfills all the requirements so that you and I can be united with God for eternity. There’s nothing more you can do to gain access to this life-changing relationship.
Thank you, Jesus Christ our Savior, that you go above and beyond our exceptions. Thank you that your will is being done and not mine.
Questions for reflection and discussion: Spend some time reflecting on everything that Jesus has fulfilled. What do you think or feel about all of this?
Church Bible Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 1; 1 Corinthians 12