Holy Communion
Yesterday I listened to an 18-year-old high school senior present and defend her capstone thesis on the Holy Sacrament of Communion. She was a strong orator who had clearly researched her topic in depth, examining historical facts as well as denominational differences. While I didn't fully agree with all of her conclusions, this young woman nevertheless reminded me of three great truths surrounding the bread and the wine (or juice) of which we partake in our local congregations.
1. Communion is communal
Jesus didn't offer the bread and cup of the Last Supper to just a random group of individuals but rather to his friends. In the same way, we too are called friends of God (see John 15:15). As such, we not only join in this sacred meal of remembrance with like-minded believers today but also with the early disciples nearly 2000 years ago.
2. Communion is intentional
When Jesus paused the evening meal to present the First Communion, it wasn't a random thought that happened to pop into His head. Rather, Christ created space for a contemplative moment for his disciples to consider His words. Likewise, when we pause our Sunday services to partake of the elements, we ought to thoughtfully remind ourselves that the bread is/signifies the Lord's broken body and the juice is/represents His shed blood.
3. Communion is continual
In the Old Testament, the Jewish people were required by the Lord to regularly offer sacrifices as propitiation (or forgiveness) for their sin. Jesus declared that he was, and continues to be, the final sacrifice, taking all of our sin upon Himself. Communion, then, is not a repeated sacrifice but a continued reminder of the ultimate sacrifice.
Whether your church observes communion weekly or monthly, by intinction (dipping) or the separation of elements, or believes the bread and wine are literal or symbolic of the body and blood of Christ, I encourage you to take an extra moment to pause to consider the communal, intentional, and continual aspects of this Holy Sacrament. Jesus met the disciples where they were, and He'll meet you today in the same way.
