I remember communion from when I was a child. 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 good swig! Don’t you remember sticking your tongue into that tiny cup and licking every drop out when you were a kid? Nevertheless, it was clear to me as a child, that communion is not a meal – or even a snack. It’s about celebrating a precious sacrament – and remembering. Today, let’s take a fresh look at communion.

 

Tear Into It – Fresh Look At Communion

First, I suggest – take a look at our initial content that launched Scripture Dissection materials: Tear Into It. That article tells how and why we introduce Scripture dissection exercises periodically.

As we approach the holiday season, you may participate in communion. So, it’s time for a fresh look.

1 Cor. 11:23-29 provides phrase by phrase communion meditations.

• 23 – “. . . The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread,”
• 24 – “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.”
• 25 – “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.’ “
• 26 – “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
• 27 – “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.” 
• 28 – “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” 
• 29 – “For those who eat and drink without [recognizing] the body of Christ, eat and drink judgment on themselves.“

 

Let’s Tear Into – A Fresh Look At Communion

There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:

1. What Does It Say?
2. What Does It Mean?
3. Make It Personal
4. Make A Commitment.

 

1. What Does It Say?

For a fresh look at communion, let’s see what each phrase says?

• Jesus was betrayed. Right before His betrayal, He initiates a meaningful ceremony to help His followers remember Him and stay focused.
• He gives thanks to His Father.
• Jesus declares the bread symbolizes His body. “This is My body, which is for you.”
• Then, Jesus declares the cup of wine (or grape juice) symbolizes a new covenant between God and man through His blood. “This cup is the new covenant in My blood.”
• Incidentally, both these acts are to remember Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
• There is an “unworthy manner” a person can take communion.
• A person should examine their life and heart before participating.
• Someone who is not humble and repentant can “eat and drink judgment on themselves.”

 

That’s what these verses say.

2. What Does It Mean?

Let’s explore four words:

1. Betrayal.
2. Remembering.
3. Thankfulness.
4. Warning.

 

1. Jesus was betrayed. Incidentally, betrayal impacts His spirit. In fact, it likely breaks His heart even before He gets to the cross. Betrayal is painful.

2. To help His disciples remember, Jesus introduces communion. He wants all His followers (then and now) to remember Him, His sacrifice, His provisions, and His deep love for them. Remembering brings hope.

3. Jesus models thankfulness. Amazingly, despite facing death, Jesus expresses gratitude to God. He models impeccable character that represents God. 1 Thess. 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God is proud of you when you trust Him with resolve. So, believe 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, examine your heart and life before partaking. Look at what’s in your heart and how you live each day. Apparently, there’s judgment for taking communion lightly.

The Bread

Christ’s body, represented by the bread, is a tangible bridge back to God. Essentially, it’s a path to intimate relationship with God and to your original design.

As Jesus gives His body on the cross, He takes into His body every sin of every person in every century. Sadly, death is the penalty for all sin.

Sin is serious. Equally, God is serious about proving His love for you.

Remarkably, Jesus’ body resurrects into the glorified Christ, still fully God – fully man. His body proves He remains human – one of us – forever! “God with us” – Emmanuel.

Christ’s human body is a strong indication of what our eternal human bodies will be like.

The Cup

The cup represents the blood Jesus poured out on the cross. 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 complete and sets you free.

Sin is serious. Equally, God is serious about proving His love for you.

Remarkably, this unthinkable exchange is your hope for eternal life. Plus, for an Alive and Active Life.

Now, when God looks at you, He sees the holiness of Jesus. That’s what these verses mean.

 3. Make It Personal

Jesus quietly gives His life daily for humanity. He brings glory to God and good to people.

When He serves communion, He teaches – My body and blood is for you.

• Jesus worships God with great reverence, even though He is God. 
• He serves people – even when He’s tired. But, He serves God first and foremost.
• Further, Jesus does works to glorify God and extend good to people. His greatest work is His death and resurrection.

 

A fresh look at communion remembers what Jesus did – and why.

Apply “What Does It Mean” To “Make It Personal“

1. Betrayal. Have you ever felt betrayed? It has definite impact on your spirit, doesn’t it? Betrayal breaks your heart. Nevertheless, Jesus knows betrayal and promises to never leave you. Because He knows betrayal, personally, He knows how you feel. His betrayal becomes your refuge. He becomes your Friend.

Jesus will never betray you!

2. Remembering is a human need:

• First, it helps you focus. To remember God’s holy righteousness balanced by His deep love and sacrifice – this gives you perspective.
• Additionally, remembering gives you courage to obey sacrificially – like Jesus.
• Plus, remembering keeps you connected to God’s grace and mercy.
• Finally, remembering helps you live an Alive and Active Life.

 

Remembering helps you be humble.

Thankfulness provides the right posture with God. It pleases God when His children are thankful. Consequently, a grateful heart connects you to His love, grace, and power. Truly, the gift of salvation is something to be thankful for.

Thankfulness strengthens your character.

Warning is the mechanism to keep you humble, grateful, and authentic. Additionally, it’s an auto-deterrent to keep sinful thoughts and behaviors out of your life. 

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 in their life. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

Sadly, some people give no credibility to being saved based on how they live and speak. Consequently, that’s a problem. Here’s why.

To be saved means –

• Believe on Jesus.
• Take in His life and character.
• Follow His example of obedience to God.

 

Additionally, Paul tells you to “work out your salvation.” (Phil. 2:12) So, being saved is an on-going process.

Jesus continues to save your thoughts, responses, failures, and successes as you trust Him. “Being saved” goes on all your life.

4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions

1. When is the last time you participated in the sacrament of communion?
2. Do you apply the meaning of Christ’s body and blood as you take the bread and cup?
3. Equally, do you serve God and stay connected to Him?
4. Similarly, do you worship God with reverence – even when things go poorly or you suffer in trials?
5. How do you handle betrayal? Do you follow Jesus’ pattern and forgive?
6. Are you remembering all God has done for and keeps doing for you?
7. Do you practice being thankful in all circumstances? Afterall, this is about your character, not your circumstances.
8. Have you listened to Christ’s warning to examine your heart and life before you take communion?
   • Notice – the last four questions deal with the four words we explored in detail.
9. Does your life prove you belong to Jesus?

 

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