This is my blood

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “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.” (Matthew 26:27-28)

Just thinking about how much those words must have meant to Peter every time he took communion after Jesus’ resurrection.

He had boasted that he would never fall away, that he would always be faithful to Jesus.

And yet not long after, he falls asleep when Jesus had asked him to watch and pray with him.

When Jesus woke him up, Peter was probably cursing himself, vowing to do better.

But then he falls asleep not only a second time, but also a third.

Then Judas comes to betray Jesus, and Peter attacks a servant, but instead of Jesus’ praise, he receives Jesus’ rebuke.

And then he denies three times that he even knew Jesus. He probably didn’t even realize what he was doing until that rooster crowed. And he weeps bitterly at his failure.

How much did Jesus’ words mean to him every time he took communion? Every time he felt the sting of his failures?

“This is my blood poured out for the sins of many. Poured out for your sins, Peter.”

I can’t count the times I’ve failed Jesus. Broken vows. Done the wrong thing despite my best intentions. Or denied Jesus if not by my words, by my actions.

And yet Jesus says to me, “This is my blood poured out for the sins of many. For your sins, Bruce.”

Remember those words every time you take communion. Remember them, every time you feel the sting of your sin, the bitterness of your failures. And as you remember them, rest in his grace.

This is my blood poured out for you…poured out for the forgiveness of your sins.