“Broken to Gather, Given to Become”
> “This is my body which is given for you…” -Luke 22:19
When Jesus broke the bread, — He was giving Himself to humanity, so that what was once confined to one body might now dwell in many. The cross was an act of self-distribution, where Christ poured His very life into those who would receive Him. _“For we being many are one bread, and one body…” — 1 Corinthians 10:17_ He gave His body for us so that His body might be formed in us. This is the wonder of redemption—that Christ does not remain external to us, but draws us into Himself, making us one with Him and with one another.
_“And I, if I be lifted up… will draw all men unto me.” — John 12:32_ In resurrection, He did not rise alone—He rose as the head of a people drawn into Him, united by the life He had already given. _“That he might present it… a glorious church.”— Ephesians 5:27_ The One who gave Himself is also the One who gathers and presents. He is forming a people out of His own life—cleansed, unified, and made whole—so that in the end, He may present them to the Father as the fruit of His love. His sacrifice was not only to redeem individuals, but to prepare a people who reflect His glory.
_“Having loved his own… he loved them unto the end.” — John 13:1_ Before He gave His body, He washed their feet. His love is—humble, personal, and intentional. The hands that would soon be pierced first stooped to cleanse. Love did not begin at the cross; it was already flowing in quiet acts of service. He did not only die for them—He knelt before them. True giving is always clothed in humility.
_“Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” — Hebrews 12:2_ The path He walked was deeply painful, yet never purposeless. Every wound, every rejection, every moment of suffering was carried by a love that refused to turn back. He endured because He saw beyond the cross—He saw a people redeemed, a body formed, and a relationship restored. His mission was costly, but love made it unwavering.
Your brother in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin