Maundy Thursday: The Cup of Blessing

Sermon Messages from Ascension Lutheran Church

Speaker: Rev. Raleigh Sims

Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 10:15-25, and Luke 22:7-20

Service Summary: One of the enduring legends from medieval times relates to the cup used by our Lord at the supper He shared with His disciples in the Upper Room on this evening. Known as the Holy Grail, the cup was said to have been passed into the safekeeping of Joseph of Arimathea, who kept it safely somewhere. Locating it has become a life-long quest for many people through the ages. Luke tells us simply what Jesus did at that meal: “Likewise [He took] the cup after they had eaten” (Luke 22:20). What eventually happened to that blessed cup, we do not know. But we do know that Jesus said, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). By His grace, that pouring out continues among us this day as we receive His blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins.