Communion

The short period of time beginning with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem provides us with some of the most exciting and momentous occasions associated with our faith. Judas’ agreement with the religious leaders, the scenes in the garden, the carrying of the cross, the crucifixion and the resurrection all provide us with important chapters in the plan for providing us with redemption and restoring our place with God. As incredible as it seems, God made this provision for us before time began! Revelation 13:8 refers to the Lamb being slain even before the foundation of the world.

Christ’s celebration of the Passover was another of these incredible events brought together in the fullness of time. This celebration tied together God’s provision of escape for the children of Israel and the new covenant God was making with man. We are given the sacrament of communion to remember the provision that was made at this pivotal moment in our history.

This remembrance was introduced to make us forever mindful of how God has fulfilled his plan. But it wasn’t a sermon, and it wasn’t presented in the way of a simple formula. God patterned a remembrance that was meant to be an intimate setting involving himself, ourselves and fellow believers. Breaking bread and passing it, sharing the wine, and even the conversation about the betrayal gives us a window into God’s desire for a personal relationship. In John 13, we are given further evidence of this through his vivid description of how Christ washed the disciples’ feet!

The demonstration of overwhelming grace and provision by the sacrificial lamb is the pivotal point in our relationship with God. When this is all brought together in the sacrament of remembrance at the Lord’s Supper, we are invited into unobstructed communion with God and his people.

Respond in Prayer

Lord, we commit ourselves to remembrance and celebration of the sacrifice you made in order for us to be redeemed. And we are so very grateful that communion is not simply an event but is also an invitation for us to enter into communion with you.

Laurie Cook

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).