Communion
One of the significant practices Jesus instituted for His followers was the celebration of Communion, also often referred to as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist. He gave this instruction on the night before His crucifixion, ensuring that His disciples, and all believers to come, would have a tangible way to remember His ultimate act of love. When we participate in Communion, we are consciously remembering the profound sacrifice He made for us on the Cross.
Symbolic Elements and Their Meaning
The elements used in Communion, typically bread and juice (or wine), are deeply symbolic. The bread represents Jesus' body, which was "broken for us" on the Cross – enduring unimaginable suffering, pain, and death to pay the penalty for our sins. The juice (or wine) symbolizes His blood, which was "given to forgive our sins," establishing a new covenant of grace and forgiveness that replaced the old covenant based on animal sacrifices. These simple elements serve as powerful visual and sensory reminders of the profound cost of our redemption.
A Time for Celebration, Confession, and Reflection
While Communion is undeniably a time of celebration for the victory Jesus won over sin and death, it's also intended to be a solemn and introspective moment. It should be a time of confession, where we honestly examine our hearts, acknowledge any unconfessed sins, and seek God's forgiveness. It's also a time for reflection on our relationship with God, assessing our walk with Him and rededicating ourselves to His will. This self-examination, as the Apostle Paul encourages (1 Corinthians 11:28), ensures we partake in a worthy manner, recognizing the profound significance of the meal.
Not a Means of Salvation
It is crucial to understand that Communion does not save you. Our salvation is secured solely by belief in Jesus and the finished work He accomplished on the Cross through His death and resurrection. Communion is an act of obedience, remembrance, and fellowship—a spiritual discipline that strengthens our faith, reminds us of God's immense love, and unites us with other believers as the body of Christ. It proclaims the Lord's death until He comes again, looking both back to His sacrifice and forward to His glorious return.
Matthew 26:26-28 | Mark 14:22-26 | Luke 22:14-20 | 1 Corinthians 11:26-29 | Acts 2:42