Matthew 26:26-30 King James Version
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
It was in this room that our Lord was observing the Passover.
Here Jesus instituted Holy Communion at the Lord's Table.
Verse 30 says they also sang a hymn and went out into the Mount of Olives.
Have you ever wondered what it was that they sang? It is told by some that according to Jewish history, Psalm 118:22-24 was sung as part of the Passover ritual for centuries and even so to this very day.
"The Hal-lel."
Psalm 118:22-24 King James Version
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
"What does Halel mean? (ˈhɑlˌɛl ; also hɑˈlɛl ) a part of the Jewish religious services consisting of Psalms 113 to 118 inclusive, recited or sung on certain festivals. Word origin. Heb halel, praise."
Today, most of us are familiar with Verse 24 -
"This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it."
In this upper room the Lord was observing the Passover before He Himself would become the Passover. It was only hours before His death on the Cross, at Calvary. Jesus was fully aware of the suffering which would be His. He understood the great physical agony that He was to endure during crucifixion. At this table He was understanding the full implications of what was about to transpire, being forsaken by the Father, while He took upon Himself the sins of the whole world.
That day, only hours away from the Cross that our Lord could sing! In absolute definitive (speaking of a definite day) triumph and victory...."This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Oh the strength of our Lord's joy!
The Bible says in Hebrews 12:2 that with JOY He endured the cross. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Speaking of JOY, we are told several times in the Bible that "the JOY of the Lord is our strength." Psalm 28:7 says, "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
Jesus realized this was a day in the active plan and purpose of His Heavenly Father. He said "for this cause came I into the world." (John 18:37) He came to minister and to give His life a ransom for many. He came to die. That was His purpose.
It didn't matter what was taking place around Him, Jesus would rejoice and be glad in this day, because through His death, burial and resurrection, He would redeem those who would trust Him to be their Savior and Lord. This was His Father's will.
Calvary was not a defeat but a glorious victory!
Things were NOT out of control. His words from the Cross were "It Is Finished." These were words of VICTORY, not defeat.
Verse 22 of Psalm 118 that was sung at Passover was, "The stone (CHRIST) which the builders (ISRAEL) refused is become the head stone of the corner." Ephesians 2:20 says " The head of the corner, the chief corner stone. This is the real support foundation. Ephesians 2:20 tells us, "Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." We also read in Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Upon this ROCK I will build my church... It does not say "pebble" Peter. But, the Rock Redeemer!
The Rock Christ Jesus, the Head of the corner.
He was crucified.
He was dead and buried.
3 days later He rose again and is alive forever more!
The joy of the Lord is a triumphant joy.
With joy He endured the Cross.
With suffering and agony a few hours away He could sing, "This is the day the Lord hat made, I will rejoice and be glad in it". This is the Lord's will. It is marvelous! Our salvation is the Lord's doing. How marvelous! Why should we not rejoice and be glad?
Hallelujah!!
It is all the Divine plan and purpose of God!
Our lives are in His hands!
Every minute - every hour - every day!
In this.....on this day.... we can rejoice and be glad.
We can experience JOY.
It is the Lord's doings.
It is the Lord's plan and purpose!
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