COMMUNION:
Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
Understanding the Purpose and Meaning of the Lord's Supper
Communion is a special tradition Jesus gave us to remember His ultimate act of love. This lesson explains the history of the Lord's Supper, what the bread and wine symbolize, and how this practice unites believers with Christ.
Communion: Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
Communion is known by many names, including The Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, and The Breaking of Bread. No matter the name, the meaning is the same: it is a joyous command from Jesus to remember His sacrifice.
Why Do Christians Take Communion?
Communion is not a requirement for salvation, but a way to celebrate the Gospel and obey a direct command from Jesus.
It's About Jesus: The bread and the wine aren't what's important; it's the body and blood of Jesus they represent.
It's a Command: Jesus instructed His followers to "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).
It's a Celebration: It commemorates the story of Jesus, who was broken for us so that we could be healed, offering us a fresh start and a new relationship with God.
The Last Supper and the Meaning of the Elements
The practice of Communion started at the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion.
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-29)
The Bread: Represents Jesus' broken body that was sacrificed on the cross on our behalf.
The Wine/Cup: Represents Jesus' blood of the covenant, poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
We continue this practice as a perpetual ordinance in the Church, done in remembrance of Jesus "until he arrives again."
More Than a Meal: A Way of Living
The Last Supper and the act of Communion teach Christians three vital values for a daily Christian life:
Remember Sacrifice: We are reminded that Jesus gave up everything to bridge the divide between God and humanity.
Serve Others: Jesus taught that those who support and serve others are the greatest, contrasting with the earthly desire to be served.
Future Hope: We are reminded of the promise that we will one day "drink and eat at my table in my kingdom" (Luke 22:29-30).
Every time we take communion, we acknowledge that Jesus provides both the physical nourishment to live and the spiritual nourishment to continue our journey with Him.
What Next?