Blessed, Then Broken, Then Blessed Again

In Matthew 26, Jesus is having his last meal with the disciples before he goes to the Cross.

While I’ve read this passage many times, something new recently stood out to me.

“As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take and eat it; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26 (CSB)

First, Jesus takes the bread, then he blesses the bread, and then he breaks the bread. I thought to myself … Why would he not take the bread, break the bread, and then bless it? 

There is a purpose to the order. The “blessing” comes before the “breaking” because honestly, this was the cadence of Jesus’ life:

• Jesus was “blessed” by the Father during His baptism. (Matthew 3:13, 16-17)

• Jesus endured the epitome of “brokenness” on the Cross. (Luke 23:26-43)

• Jesus conquered death through the resurrection and then ascended to…