Matthew 26:27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.”
At this point in the Lord’s Supper, or communion as we know it, they had already been given the bread that represents His body, broken for us. They were now being offered the wine that represents His blood shed for us.
There is debate in the Christian community over who was present and who, specifically Judas Iscariot, was not. John is the only book to point out when Judas left (and it was after he joined in the bread portion of communion) while the other gospels are silent about when he left. Though, interestingly enough, they do speak of him returning. But the question still remains as to when he left and was he allowed to take communion with the other disciples?
We could go round and round trying to figure it out and sharing different translations and interpretations. Or we can simply accept that he was there for part of it and then left so didn’t get to stay to hear about the new Covenant that Jesus was establishing with mankind. The most simple response – does it matter to our own spiritual walk to know the answer?
Jesus invited all of them to partake (those present) and gave them His new covenant and agreement between God and creation. And He invites all of us to join, as well. He wants believers everywhere to celebrate communion with Him. Not only that, but they should joyfully, with thanks, give their praises while remembering what He did for us on the cross.
A final note before we close today: Notice in the verse it says he gave thanks. He prayed to the Father to bless the bread they were about to eat. Jesus knew what the symbolism meant and He still modeled prayers of thanks before they joined in. Everything we do should be done with thanks.
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