Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for 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 again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
(Matthew 26:26-29 ESV)
I am so glad that Jesus gave us something of Himself we could touch and taste before dying, rising, and returning to heaven. Because sometimes I need more than just words and stories. I need something that speaks to my body, my five senses—something that says, “This is real. You can touch and handle this for yourself.” And that’s what Communion and Baptism do for me.
Jesus gives Himself to us this way because He knows us—because He made us. He cares about our bodies, just as He cares about our minds and spirits. They matter to Him! And so He provides Himself to us in this visible, touchable, tastable form. He gives us yet another comfort to help us during these years before His return.
And by giving us Himself, He becomes the foundation for our own bodies as well. By giving Himself to us as our food, Jesus joins us to Him forever—more intimately than we can imagine. Jesus’ own body and blood, crucified and risen from the dead, is ours forever, and we are His.
We Pray: Thank You, Lord! Amen.
Reflection Questions:• Why do you come to Communion?
• Would it be enough if you just read the Bible and listened to preaching?
• If Jesus comes this close to you, what does that tell you about His feelings for you?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on April 2, 2026
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights reserved