made that wicked bargain, Judas had time to repent, and to revoke it; but when lesser acts of
dishonesty have hardened the conscience men do without hesitation that which is more shameful.
Verses 17–25
Observe, the place for their eating the passover was pointed out by Christ to the disciples. He
knows those hidden ones who favour his cause, and will graciously visit all who are willing to
receive him. The disciples did as Jesus had appointed. Those who would have Christ's presence in
the gospel passover, must do what he says. It well becomes the disciples of Christ always to be
jealous over themselves, especially in trying times. We know not how strongly we may be tempted,
nor how far God may leave us to ourselves, therefore we have reason not to be high-minded, but
to fear. Heart-searching examination and fervent prayer are especially proper before the Lord's
supper, that, as Christ our Passover is now sacrificed for us, we may keep this feast, renewing our
repentance, our faith in his blood, and surrendering ourselves to his service.
Verses 26–30
This ordinance of the Lord's supper is to us the passover supper, by which we commemorate a
much greater deliverance than that of Israel out of Egypt. Take, eat; accept of Christ as he is offered
to you; receive the atonement, approve of it, submit to his grace and his government. Meat looked
upon, be the dish ever so well garnished, will not nourish; it must be fed upon: so must the doctrine
of Christ. This is my body; that is, spiritually, it signifies and represents his body. We partake of
the sun, not by having the sun put into our hands, but the beams of it darted down upon us; so we
partake of Christ by partaking of his grace, and the blessed fruits of the breaking of his body. The
blood of Christ is signified and represented by the wine. He gave thanks, to teach us to look to God
in every part of the ordinance. This cup he gave to the disciples with a command, Drink ye all of
it. The pardon of sin is that great blessing which is, in the Lord's supper, conferred on all true
believers; it is the foundation of all other blessings. He takes leave of such communion; and assures
them of a happy meeting again at last; “Until that day when I drink it new with you\rdblquote ,
may be understood of the joys and glories of the future state, which the saints shall partake with
the Lord Jesus. That will be the kingdom of his Father; the wine of consolation will there be always
new. While we look at the outward signs of Christ's body broken and his blood shed for the remission
of our sins, let us recollect that the feast cost him as much as though he had literally given his flesh
to be eaten and his blood for us to drink.
Verses 31–35
Improper self-confidence, like that of Peter, is the first step to a fall. There is a proneness in all
of us to be over-confident. But those fall soonest and foulest, who are the most confident in
themselves. Those are least safe, who think themselves most secure. Satan is active to lead such
astray; they are most off their guard: God leaves them to themselves, to humble them.
Verses 36–46