What Jesus Did! 'A New Deal!' — Matthew 26:26-30

Saturday, November 29, 2025

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 this and eat 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 said, "Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words — I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom."

Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.

— Matthew 26:26-30 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus begins a new relationship, a new covenant, a new agreement, a new deal with us. He spills his blood, offers up his body, and gives his life to cover our sins and offer us grace. He asks us to accept his sacrifice and trust that it pays our spiritual debts and makes us holy. He asks us to receive this grace and to live in thanks for it. He asks us to take his Supper and tell his story until he returns again.

Ours is a blood covenant of grace. Jesus has given us so much. He has paid such a high price. What is our response? Are we upholding our end of the deal?

He has given us so much; how can we offer him so little? He has sacrificed so much; how can we rebel against his lordship? He has been so gracious; how can we not be thankful?

Today's Prayer

Precious and sacrificial Father, thank you for giving us the Lord's Supper to remind us of your grace to us in Jesus and our partnership, our covenant, in your grace. May I and my fellow brothers and sisters live each day in ways that are more congruent with his will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 26:26-30 NLT — "Take this and eat it, for this is my body."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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