Fruit of the Vine Matthew 26:17-30 Vine Vineyard

Matthew 26 broke it 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Thanks / Blessing Gave Jesus brokenness

The observance is based on the Old Testament covenant of the Passover Begins with thanksgiving and blessing The bread is given and offered It is not taken Given permission to eat the bread We remember Jesus brokenness

27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. Thanks / Blessing Offered Invitation to drink

Thanksgiving or blessing The cup is offered It cannot be demanded or assumed We are given permission to drink it “All of you” who have permission “All of you” who believe (family) “All of you” at the table

28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Covenant The price The outcome

This covenant is unlike any other covenant The cost is very lob-sided Jesus pays the price The outcome is also one sided We receive the benefit of forgiveness

29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Pledge This is not the end We will be united

Here is my promise The fruit of the vine The blood of Christ… Will carry us into heaven

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. They sung They went out

Singing in the Christian context is about worship But communal worship has to come to an end And we must go back to life Interact with the world Living our lives in the world

We receive communion with an understanding that… We will celebrate communion together in heaven Christ will serve us We will worship Christ face to face

The invitation to the table Being part of God’s family Forgiveness All made possible through the blood of Christ He is the fruit of the vine