Day 44 – Mark 14:17–26
by Annie Kirk

Two things happen in today’s reading. Firstly, Jesus reveals one of the disciples will betray him. This will happen after they have shared a meal together, which in the Middle east is the worst kind of treachery.

Secondly, which is the more important event, they share communion for the very first time. This meal closely resembles the Jewish passover meal. Passover was celebrated to remind the Israelites about the time when they were slaves in Egypt. Pharaoh refused to let the people go, so God punished Egypt. But he ’passed over’ the Jewish homes. When we celebrate communion today, we are reminded that God’s punishment for our sin is ’passed over’ us too. Because of Jesus we are forgiven! Spend some time thanking God for this.