Matthew 26:26–29 (ESV)
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And
he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I
tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
This is what separates
the Lutherans from most other denominations. Jesus says “Take, eat; this is my body.” He didn’t say “Take eat, this symbolizes my body” or “Take eat, this represents my body.” He is very clear “This
is my body.” We take Jesus at his Word. He was present at the creation of the world. He walked on water, calmed storms, raised the dead, healed the sick, made the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear,… so I’m sure if
he said “This is my body”, I take Him at His Word. The Lord’s Supper is not symbolic, it is a gift from the Lord. Same thing goes to “this is my blood.”
I pray: O Lord, help me to trust your Word and not let my reasoning interfere. Amen.