Fruit of the Vine

Matthew 26:17-30

VineVineyard

Matthew 2626 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Thanks / BlessingGave

Jesus brokenness

The observance is based on the Old Testament covenant of the Passover

Begins with thanksgiving and blessingThe bread is given and offered

It is not takenGiven permission to eat the breadWe remember Jesus brokenness

27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.

Thanks / Blessing

Offered

Invitation to drink

Thanksgiving or blessingThe cup is offered

It cannot be demanded or assumedWe are given permission to drink it“All of you” who have permission“All of you” who believe (family)

“All of you” at the table

28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Covenant

The price

The outcome

This covenant is unlike any other covenant

The cost is very lob-sidedJesus pays the price

The outcome is also one sidedWe receive the benefit of forgiveness

29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Pledge

This is not the end

We will be united

Here is my promiseThe fruit of the vineThe blood of Christ…

Will carry us into heaven

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

They sung

They went out

Singing in the Christian context is about worship

But communal worship has to come to an end

And we must go back to lifeInteract with the world

Living our lives in the world

We receive communion with an understanding that…

We will celebrate communion together in heavenChrist will serve us

We will worship Christ face to face

The invitation to the tableBeing part of God’s family

ForgivenessAll made possible through

the blood of ChristHe is the fruit of the vine