Apostle Paul says he “received” from the Lord the method and meaning of the Lord’s Supper. The Greek verb for “received” is “paralambano”, associated with being educated in a tradition from someone else. A NIV text note says, “Paul does not necessarily mean that he received the Lord’s Supper directly from Christ. The information was probably passed on to him by others who had heard it directly from Jesus”, perhaps Ananias or Barnabas of Damascus. (Acts 9:10, 17-22, 27)
Apostle Paul conveys that, on the night Jesus was betrayed, he took bread and gave thanks (24). Giving thanks was the Jewish practice at meals, especially the Passover. The word Eucharist comes from the Greek “eukharistia” and “eukharistos”, meaning “grateful”, “thankful”, “to show favor”, and “grace”. The Israelites were thankful for being freed from slavery in Egypt. But why was Jesus thankful? He knew his betrayer sat in the room with him. (Luke 22:21-22)
Jesus tells us why. “This is my body, which is for you.” (24a) Jesus was thankful that he could obey his father in providing the way for those he loved to be saved from slavery to sin and death. Not only was he thankful, but Jesus was eager to obey. “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:14-15)
Even though my future looks to be a walk in a dark, trashy alley full of possible assailants and temptations, I will be thankful for the here and now. The Lord’s Supper is a time to be grateful. My immediate future is unknown. Jesus knew his immediate future. Yet, he had reasons to be thankful. He looked forward to the fulfillment of the Supper in the kingdom of God. Lord, let others find a few to share your Supper with, to be thankful with.
