Anticipating Worship: Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025—Signs of Salvation: The Cup

Since the time they were teenagers, and even before that, Jesus’ disciples would have been familiar with the annual celebration of the Passover meal. On a special night each spring, families would gather around a table for a meal that commemorated their rescue from slavery in Egypt. Part of the meal featured the breaking of bread made without yeast, and the sharing of a “cup of the covenant.” In it, grape wine told the story of a lamb’s blood poured out and painted above their doorposts. “The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” On the night before he died, Jesus infused this meal with new meaning. Now, in, with, and under the bread, Jesus' disciples would receive his body. In, with, and under the wine, Jesus would offer us his blood of the new covenant.

Want to hear more? See you this Holy Thursday at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.