The Penn's Grove record., 1914-12-11
GOD'SLOVE PROVED
Inspiration and Hope for the
Christian in the Blood Of
the Redeemer.

anything IOT LQ6 last time.
The breaking of the ties Of our
daily life is accompanied by pangs
that pull at our very heartstrings-
The fact that the Last Supper was
the last meal shared by Jesus and
his disciples was sufficient to make it
9 prominent milestone in their rela-
tionship.
However. let uE nrst review the
events leading up to the passover
meal. 1t was probably Thursday, the
18th of Nissan, April 6, in the year 30.
The disciples came inquiring Of the
master where they would eat, asking
him to instruct them where to go to
make the necessary preparations.
Startling except to those who knew
Jesus was the answer, Go into the
city, and there shall meet you a man
bearing a pitcher of water; follow
him"
Suppose they had said that this
was preposterous, bearing water
pitchers was women's work, and that
they wanted better instructions. But
they had learned to trust him, even
as We must learn to take Jesus at his
word. The disciSles went forth and
found "as he had said unto them"
The Traitor.
While they were eating that Ye
ming the heart Of Jesus was heavy
with the thought of his coming be-
trayal, and this is reflected in the
cry, zone of you shall betray me,
even he that eateth with me-"
We can hardly comprehend the
depths of meaning in the words, "even
he that eateth with me-"
To the oriental mind this was a
sacred bond that promised friendship
and protection. To violate the pledge
implied by a meal shared together
was to invite the utmost contempt
We read that Judas had conferred
with the chief priests concerning
Christ's betrayal, and after a promise
Of money he sought how he might
conveniently deliver him into their
hands.
An interesting light is thrown upon
the occasion by the question Of the
disciples, rs it II" 1t is plain from
the Greek that the question expected
a negative answer. It indicates the
conscientious searching of hearts.
rather than mutual suspicion. and
quite clearly reveals how little they
suspected Judas and how well he bore
himself even under the direct charge.
Of his Lord.
The Memorial Rite.
Let US try to get close to Christ
and get his viewpoint of this sacra-
ment. 1t speaks in no uncertain
terms of what be thought of his OVID
death.
To us death is simply the close OF
our earthly life and the beginning OF
our spiritual life. But to him it was
an achievement, a great victory. 1t
was a victory that we remember with
exultation. even though it cost the
c~onqueror's life.
The amazing effect on the church
by the life Of Jesus is produced by
his death, and nothing else. The
supper had no reference to his resur-
rection. We find our inspiration in
or Redeemer's blood. The creed
contains no reference TO his three
year ministry. But take from it the
proclamation of his death and the
whole structure falls. There is no
Messiah, no church. Because Christ
was lifted up, he draws all men unto
him. Beyond dispute, the perpetual
nourishment of the church, her bread
and wine, are the slain body and
the blood poured out for the many.
1t is not for us to discuss the diff
ferent views that separate bodies Of
Christians hold concerning the Lords
Supper. AS we read the Scripture,
we are held by the simplicity and
beauty of the service. this the first,
administered by Jesus himself.
AS we partake, in whatever form.
we feel the uplifting power of Gods
love for his children expressed in the
death of his own son. This rite has
been celebrated by untold millions.
Wherever the name Of Christ has en-
tered, there have people Joined in his
remembrance. It is one Of the su-
preme examples OF the omnipotence
Of God, that through all ages, among
all races, all classes and creeds. this
service has been performed.
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