Flesh & Blood

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it, for this is my body.” And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.”

Mark 14:22-24 (NLT)

I have been blessed with two amazing children. My son, who is 18 as I write this, and my daughter, 13 going on 16, have been a huge part of my life, my experiences, and even my faith. Many things changed the moment my wife and I heard a baby’s cry and held our son and daughter in our arms. I learned that true, unconditional love could begin in an instant. I learned how fragile life was. I learned a great deal of patience. I came to understand the power of forgiveness. I learned humility, cuz parents don’t know everything and certainly don’t have it all together. And, as I stared into their tiny faces, I learned what the expression “they are my flesh and blood” actually meant. I have a child. I have children who I would move heaven and earth for. I have children who I deeply love. I have children who I would lay my life down for in protection of their existence.

In fact, for me, a lot of theology (the study of God) clicked for me in more powerful ways once I became a parent. Why? Because God is our Father – He’s our larger than life Dad.

So, as Jesus was sitting around a table with his disciples, his best friends, he looked at them, not through the lens of brotherly love, but with the full love of a heavenly parent – a parent who would lay down his life so that they, and we, may have life free from the power of sin, and, instead, receive an inheritance in the Kingdom of God. His love for his children? Unconditional. His patience with his children? Infinite. The forgiveness he offers? Immeasurable. His humility? He came as a human, died as a criminal, and rose to everlasting life in service to his kids.

As Jesus tore off a piece of unleavened bread and shared in the very first communion service, he stated they should eat it and know that his flesh was their flesh. As he raised his glass of wine and stated that his blood was for them, their forgiveness, redemption and salvation, he was reminding us that his blood – his righteous, perfect blood – flows into and through our veins. We are his “flesh and blood.” We are his children. We are family. Only, this Father, this Dad, laid down his life to redeem us from the penalty of sin. This Dad was not only protecting his children, but freed them to live forever.

If you are reading this realize, you are the flesh and blood of the King of the Universe. You are his child, and he is your Dad, your Father, your Savior. Never forget how much he loves you. Never forget, you are his flesh and blood.