PODCAST
Pleasure and Pain
March 2nd, 2017
Luke 22:17-23
Have you ever taken a loaf of freshly baked bread, broken it open and smelled that wonderful aroma? There are few things that delight the senses more–not only the smell, but the feel of the crisp crust and tender interior. The golden loaf is pleasing to the eyes and the taste buds.
In this story, Jesus’ words are jolting, “This is my body given for you” (v. 19). What can He mean? Earlier in His ministry (see John 6:25-71), Jesus had taught that He was “the living bread that came down from heaven.” This teaching disturbed some of His followers, particularly when He said, “This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (v. 51). Because of these words many turned away and no longer followed Him.
It is disquieting and humbling to hear that the very thing that brings us life and pleasure is the result of someone’s suffering, even death. What a tremendous meaning it bestows on the gift given, especially when we ponder that it was for us.
Author: Duane Brush
