This week we are taking a look at Communion as an element of the Christian Faith, and why it’s still relevant today.
Reading
Luke 22: 14-20
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Reflection
Communion is the sharing of bread and wine in a service environment; it doesn’t have to be in church, and it doesn’t have to be a huge number of people, it could just be two. It’s a service in which those taking part remember what Jesus did for them on the cross.
Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sin (the bad things we do that upset God). His death made the perfect sacrifice for us; so that we would never have to go through the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, but instead we are always fully right with God.
This is not a small thing. This is huge! Jesus’ death gives us the opportunity to go to Heaven and have an eternal life with God.
So communion is the act of remembering what Jesus did for us, so that we would have this opportunity. So that we would be free.
It is generally accepted that the leader gives thanks for the bread and the wine, and then the rest of the congregation receive the bread and the wine. Some churches will do it differently, not everyone is the same.
What are some of the differences?
For the bread some people use the wafers (like we have at St Mary’s), others might use real bread, others could be crackers, or any other “bread” substance.
For the wine, some people use communion wine, which is special made for the purpose, some will use regular wine, others might your grape juice, or squash.
In some churches you will go to the front to receive, in others it will be brought to you.
Some places you all drink from one cup, in others you will be presented with your own very small glass.
There are lots of things that can be done differently, but there is one thing that is always key. This is a service of remembrance for what Jesus has done for us.
It’s so special because it is what Jesus himself told his disciples to do at the Last Supper, just before his death. It’s not just something that was made up by one church and everyone copied, this is something that was shown to us by Jesus.
Is it still important? Yes.
Should we do it? Yes, it’s a great symbolism for helping us remember.
Is there ONE way to do it? No, there are lots of different ways to do it.
You don’t have to have communion at church, you can do it wherever you see fit. It’s just about taking that time to remember and be thankful.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the wonderful gift of freedom that is offered to us through Jesus actions on the cross. I pray that you would help me to use Communion as a way to remember this, and be thankful for this. Amen.
Sum it up
Communion is something that Jesus taught us to do, in order that we would remember him, and the actions he took to offer us freedom, and eternal life.
Weekly Challenge
This week why not take some time to sit and reflect on those actions that Jesus took in order to offer us freedom. You could have your own mini communion on your own with some squash and bread, or you could spend some time in prayer, whatever you feel will work for you.