The Fruit of Forgiveness

 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29 ESV)
As the disciples gathered in the upper room with Jesus to celebrate the Passover, one theme was on their minds: Freedom, the freedom of Israel from Egypt, as God passed over them in Judgment and forced Pharoah's hand into setting them free.  But Jesus puts a new thought and theme into their hearts and minds, and ours: Forgiveness.  As we celebrate Christ's deliverance, it is one made through the forgiveness of our sins through His sacrifice and shed blood.  Whenever we partake of it, forgiveness should be on our minds.