Celebrating Easter.Sample

Full and Free Forgiveness!

by Rev. Joel Gaertner

Today, we once again can receive the sacrament that our Savior gave us on that first Maundy Thursday. Maundy Thursday has a very special meaning for Christians.

What do you look forward to when you receive the sacrament? Is it strength for your faith, the assurance of the forgiveness of all your sins, or the fellowship with those you commune with? Each of those is a blessing that God gives us in the sacrament. But forgiveness is the over-arching benefit that God offers to us.

Maundy Thursday is when Jesus invited his disciples to “take and eat” and “take and drink,” he clearly proclaimed the primary blessing he desires to give us- each time we receive his body and blood in the sacrament, “for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)

It has always been a unique privilege to distribute the Lord’s Supper to God’s people. Some leave the altar with a visible sigh of relief, some leave with a big smile on their face that displays their joy in the assurance of the forgiveness they’ve received, and some leave with tears. I’ve wondered if those are tears of joy or tears that demonstrate a deep appreciation for the wonderful news they’ve just heard: “Your sins are forgiven. Depart in peace. Amen.”

The devil seeks to plant seeds of doubt or unworthiness in us about our forgiveness. Can God really forgive the sins you committed? It sometimes seems that they are so horrible, or that you’ve done them so often, there is no way that God could forgive your sins.

Believe that His forgiveness completely wipes away any and all sin and that the Lord’s Supper gives us further assurance of that full and free forgiveness as we hear the Savior’s clear words, “for the forgiveness of sins.”

Come and receive the gift which your Savior gave you on that first Maundy Thursday.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, once again, I review and reflect on all that you did to assure our forgiveness and salvation. Give me a renewed appreciation for the depth of your love and your dedication to the mission your heavenly Father sent you to accomplish. Not only this week but each time I have the privilege to receive your body and blood in the Lord’s Supper, give me the complete assurance that each of my sins is forgiven through your soul-saving work. Thank you, dear Jesus, for this precious gift! May I never take it for granted but treasure it each time I receive it. Amen.