Have you asked yourself – why take communion?
I remember even as a youngster, I wanted to understand the bread and cup. But honestly, I did wonder why the bread was so “itty-bitty.” And the cup was barely a taste. Don’t you remember sticking your tongue into that tiny cup to lick every drop out when you were a kid?
Nevertheless, it was clear to me as a child – communion is not a meal, or even a snack. Rather, it’s celebrating a precious sacrament – and remembering.
Tear Into It – Why Take Communion?
There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal.
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
1 Cor. 11:23-29 provides phrase by phrase communion meditations.
“. . . The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread,” (23)- “and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” (24)
- “In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ ” (25)
- “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (26)
- “So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” (27)
- “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” (28)
- “For those who eat and drink without [recognizing] the body of Christ, eat and drink judgment on themselves.” (29)
That’s what these verses say.
2. What Does It Mean?
Now, let’s explore the meanings of each key phrase.
1. Jesus was betrayed (vs. 23)
Right before His betrayal, Jesus initiates a meaningful ceremony to help His followers remember Him and stay focused. This is intentional – a message of intimacy before being betrayed.
2. He gives thanks – and explains the bread (vs. 24)
Jesus is always full of gratitude to His Father. Even facing His death in less than 24 hours, Jesus remains thankful.
Also, Jesus declares the bread symbolizes His body. Strategically, this is the first element He wants you to focus on. His human life offered in your stead to cover all sin. Additionally, this ends animal sacrifices.
3. Jesus explains the cup (vs. 25)
Then, Jesus declares the cup (wine or grape juice) symbolizes a new covenant between God and man through His blood. Importantly, this is the second element He wants you to focus on. His life blood poured out wipes out your debt to God.
4. Remember and proclaim (vs. 26)
Incidentally, both these elements help you remember and proclaim Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Similar to a calendar reminder for a very special event. Yet, deeper and richer in meaning. Jesus wants you to remember and proclaim to others who He is.
5. Unworthy manner (vs. 27)
There is an “unworthy manner” a person can take communion.
- Perhaps taking it too lightly.
- Merely going through the motions.
- Trying to impress others.
- Not being grateful from your heart for Christ’s extreme sacrifice.
Those kinds of motives make you guilty of literally sinning against Christ’s body and blood. Think twice before you do that.
6. Examine your life and heart (vs. 28)
A person should examine their life and heart before participating in communion. Incidentally, examining is the very action required to avoid sinning against Christ’s body and blood. Essentially, being truly sorry and grateful for an extreme sacrifice that gives you forgiveness and eternal life.
7. Judgment (vs. 29)
Simply, if you are not humble and repentant, willing to examine your life and heart – you “eat and drink judgment on [yourself].”
That’s what these verses mean.
3. Make It Personal
Four words stand out from today’s Scripture portions:
- Betrayal.
- Remember.
- Thankful.
- Warning.
1. Jesus was betrayed. Incidentally, notice betrayal impacts His spirit. In fact, it breaks His heart. This same thing happens to you sometimes. Jesus knows exactly how you feel.
Betrayal is painful.
2. To help you remember, Jesus introduces communion to remember –
- Him.
- His sacrifice.
- His provisions.
- And His deep love for you.
Symbols, ceremonies, calendar reminders all help you focus on important things.
To remember Jesus inspires hope.
3. Jesus models thankfulness. Amazingly, Jesus expresses gratitude to God the night before His torturous death. What impeccable character!
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18) Additionally, it helps to remember He’s working “all things for the good of those who love Him . . . called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)
It’s God’s Will to be thankful.
4. The warning is sobering. Jesus teaches communion should be taken in a spirit of humble repentance. First, before partaking, examine what’s in your heart and how you live each day. Repent, if necessary.
Apparently, there’s judgment for taking communion lightly.
The Bread
Christ’s body, the bread, is your tangible bridge back to right relationship with God.
Sadly, death is the penalty for all sin. Jesus took into His body every sin of every person in every century. Your sin and mine.
Sin is serious. Equally, God is serious about proving His love for you.
The Cup
The cup represents the blood Jesus shed on the cross for you. The old covenant requires a transfer:
– sin onto an animal sacrifice to cover people.
The new covenant takes this a step further:
– sin onto Jesus to cover sin and eliminate guilt!
It’s basically – “bye-bye” to sin and guilt – with deep gratitude to God.
Sin is serious. Equally, God is serious about proving His love for you.
Grace completely sets you free. Now, when God looks at you, He sees the holiness of Jesus.
Make It Even More Personal
1. Betrayal. Have you ever felt betrayed? It has definite impact on your spirit, doesn’t it? Betrayal breaks your heart. Nevertheless, Jesus promises to never leave you. Because He knows betrayal, personally, He knows how you feel. His betrayal becomes your refuge.
Jesus will never betray you!
2. Remember – it’s a human need:
- First, remembering helps you focus on God’s holiness, deep love, and sacrifice. This gives you perspective.
- Additionally, remembering gives you courage to obey sacrificially – like Jesus did.
- Plus, remembering keeps you connected to God’s grace and mercy.
- Finally, remembering helps you live an Alive and Active Life.
To remember – helps you live better.
3. Thankful. This provides the right posture with God. Plus, it pleases Him. Consequently, a grateful heart connects you to His love, grace, and power. Considering all this, Christ’s sacrifice is something to be deeply thankful for.
Be thankful – and strengthen your character.
4. Warning is the mechanism to keep you humble and honest. Additionally, it’s an auto-deterrent against –
- Taking communion lightly.
- Going through the motions.
- Impressing others.
- Lack of gratitude for Christ’s extreme sacrifice.
Additionally, Christ’s warning keeps you focused.
Warnings keep you in the boundaries of God’s love. (Jude 21)
Saved, And Being Saved
I’m sure you’ve heard people say they “were saved” at some point. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) Did you know that’s not the end?
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.” (2 Cor. 2:15,16)
Interestingly, these verses indicate:
- As a Jesus follower, your life becomes a “pleasing aroma” to God.
- Additionally, this aroma inspires others to walk with God.
- However, to those who don’t know Jesus, your life aroma should “speak” truth respectfully to them.
- Conclusively, your life is a “plumb line.” Namely, to –
-
- Encourage other Jesus followers.
- Reach out to save non-believers.
-
- You are continually being saved as you do these things.
Sadly, some Jesus followers do not live or speak as an aroma of Christ. Consequently, that’s a problem.
To be saved means –
- Believe on Jesus.
- Take in His life and character.
- Be an example to those who need Jesus.
Additionally, Paul says – “work out your salvation.” (Phil. 2:12) Therefore, being saved is an on-going process you sincerely participate in. “Being saved” continues all your life.
That’s how you make those communion verses personal.
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions
- When is the last time you participated in communion?
- Do you sincerely ponder Christ’s body and blood as you take the bread and cup?
- Equally, do you deeply respect God as you live each day, even when things go poorly or you suffer?
- How do you handle betrayal? Like Jesus, do you forgive?
- Do you remember all God has done and is doing for you?
- Do you practice being thankful in all circumstances?
- Have you listened to Christ’s warning to examine your heart and life before you take communion?
- Does your life prove you belong to Jesus?
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