This last Sunday, our church experienced something new. Sure, we met outside in a tent, because we are prevented from meeting inside because of COVID-19, but that isn’t it. We partook of communion as a church with individually sealed communion cups. The top layer had a wafer that was covered by a thin barrier of plastic, while underneath in the cup was the juice. It was weird hearing everyone tearing off the layers to get to the elements. It didn’t take away from the fact that it was still a symbol of Christ’s Body.
Matthew 26:26
“While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
First Communion
Jesus instituted the first communion ceremony at the last supper. Near the end of the Passover feast, he stood up and broke the bread as a symbol of how His body was about to be broken on the cross for our sins. He wanted to institute a recurring ceremony so that the disciples and future believers would never forget what He had done for them. What’s interesting is that the Passover feast, started all the way back in Egypt, foretold the church about this. The unleavened bread, which symbolized a life without sin, is what was eaten that first time.
Understand the Gravity?
When you partake of communion at your church, do you fully understanding what is going on? Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus lived a sinless life so that He could be the perfect substitute to be sacrificed for our lives? His body being broken on that cross was more than enough to appease God’s wrath toward our sins and set us free from the slavery we are in. That is what is represented when we partake in communion.
Symbol of Christ’s Body
You can walk in freedom from your sins’ bondage because of what Jesus did on the cross. Eating the bread and drinking the juice once a month is your acceptance of that atoning work. It is the reaffirmation of your commitment to God and your testimony to the world that you follow Jesus. Make sure you come with a pure heart.