For Many
โโฆ poured out for many for the forgiveness of sinsโ (Matt 26:28b). On that Holy Thursday, 33 A.D., Jesus took the symbolism of the Passover Meal and elevated it to the highest level for any church rite, save Baptism. In Baptism, the gift of faith is given, a magnificent gift by which the riches of God flow to a person. In the changed Passover Meal, the symbols of the foods, henceforth, included the real thing.
The real thing is the actual body and blood of the Messiah Himself. When the believer partakes of this new meal, he receives the richest of riches, the forgiveness of sins. Even more, God the Spirit, through that gift, empowers the believer with a stronger faith, so that when departing from the Sacrament with peace and joy, he might be used by God for Godโs kingdom. The Service for Holy Thursday is a service of joy and celebration for what God does for believers who partake of the meal.
