When He Broke the Bread

With Easter upon us, what a better time to reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ? Can you imagine what it was like for the disciples as they sat around the table visiting with Jesus and their shock when he said one would betray Him and another would deny him?

Several years ago, I imagined the disciples sitting around the table laughing, talking, eating, and having an enjoyable evening with Jesus. In my twentieth-century mind, I could see Jesus stand up and tap his spoon against a glass to get everyone’s attention. All heads turned his direction as they grew silent and waited to hear His words of wisdom.

Then I tried to imagine the shock and bewilderment that filled the room, drowning out the merriment. Their Lord, teacher, and friend spoke words of death, resurrection, and life. Could any of them fathom the true meaning of his teaching? While contemplating the event, I wrote these words.

 

When He Broke the Bread

 by Loretta Eidson (2003)

The cup was passed around the table that night,

And the bread was broken by soft candlelight.

The disciples were merry, not a worry around.

Until their Master spoke words to them did astound.

Silence filled the room as they focused their eyes

Upon their Lord while from the table he did arise.

“Ye know not what is meant when I say

The wine is My blood in just a few days.

The bread is My body, symbolic of me,

But after three days of darkness, this body will be free.”

Confused and concerned at the words which came forth,

Their voices quickly rose as they questioned their Lord.

Unable to grasp the depth in which He spoke,

They felt they were losing the One with all hope.

Trying to explain and calm all their fears,

He knew real understanding would only bring tears.

How hard it must have been as they watched Him submit

To the soldiers, that day, wondering, “Could this be it?”

As time rolled by and He hung on a tree,

Their eyes were opened and knew it must be

The meaning of what their Savior had said,

That night at the table when He broke the bread.

 

And He took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of ME.”

Likewise, He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:19-20 NKJ

 

Reflecting on scripture and the power of the resurrection, I stand in awe of God’s great love for each of us. How He gave His only Son to die on a cross for the sins of the world… for you and me.

Accepting Him as my Lord and Savior, asking His forgiveness for my sins was the absolute best decision I’ve ever made.

Have a blessed and glorious Easter Sunday, my friends!

Loretta

Loretta Eidson is an award-winning author who loves writing romantic suspense. Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency is her agent. Loretta is a member of ACFW, BRMCWC, RWA, SinC, and HACWN. She loves chocolate, caramel, and coffee. Loretta lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi with her husband, Ken, a retired Police Captain.

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