Understanding Communion
By Pastor Chris Cahill · 4 minute read · First published 2024-10-27
The bread and cup ask us to slow down. At the Lord’s Supper, we remember Jesus, receive the reminder of His grace, and face the people with whom we share the table. Communion is a sacred practice of connection with Jesus and celebration of the new covenant established through His sacrifice. Familiarity should not hurry us past its meaning. Let us consider the Last Supper, the bread and wine, and how this act of remembrance shapes our life together.
Remember the meal and the command
The Last Supper brings us close to the cost of the grace we celebrate. It was the final meal He shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. During this meal, He instituted the practice of communion, providing His followers with a tangible way to remember His sacrifice.
"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'" — Luke 22:19-20
In these moments, Jesus commanded His disciples to continue this practice as a way to remember Him and the incredible love He demonstrated through His death and resurrection. Each time we participate in communion, we are obeying this command, drawing closer to Jesus, and affirming our faith in His redemptive work.
Attend to the bread and cup
In the understanding explored here, the bread and wine, or juice, carry deep symbolism. The bread represents the body of Christ, which was broken for us. It serves as a reminder of the physical suffering He endured on the cross for our sins.
"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." — Isaiah 53:5
The wine symbolizes the blood of Christ, which was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. In the Old Testament, blood was a powerful symbol of atonement, representing the price paid for sin. Jesus’ blood establishes a new covenant, assuring us of our relationship with God through faith.
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." — Ephesians 1:7
At communion, we return to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Gratitude has room to become more than a familiar phrase. It is a moment to reflect on His love, grace, and the new life we have in Him.
Come with honesty and gratitude
Communion can be taken in various settings, such as during a church service, in small groups, or even at home with family. Practices vary, and we should respect the guidance of the church community in which we participate. This reflection centers on remembering Jesus and what He has done for us.
Preparation: Before taking communion, it’s important to examine your heart. Paul advises us in 1 Corinthians 11:28 to examine ourselves to ensure we approach the table with reverence and a right relationship with God and others. This is a time to confess any sin and seek forgiveness.
"Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." — 1 Corinthians 11:28
2. Participation: When you partake in communion, do so with a heart full of gratitude. Reflect on the meaning of the bread and wine as you eat and drink. This is a sacred moment, where you connect with Christ and the community of believers around you.
"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." — Psalm 95:2
As we worship, we honor Jesus’ sacrifice and affirm our unity with fellow believers. That unity deserves to follow us away from the table. Embrace the opportunity to express your thankfulness for the grace and mercy extended to you through Christ.
Proclamation: Communion is also a proclamation of faith. When we take communion, we are declaring the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:26, "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
In taking communion, we not only remember Jesus’ sacrifice, but we also anticipate His return. Remembering His death also turns us toward the hope of His return.
Put this into practice
As you embrace the practice of communion, remember that it’s a precious opportunity to grow in your relationship with Christ and to celebrate the community of believers. Each time we participate, we can ask how the love and grace we remember will shape our next conversation, decision, and act of care.
A Prayer for Understanding Communion
Heavenly Father,Thank You for the incredible gift of communion, a sacred practice that reminds us of the depth of Your love for us. As I reflect on the Last Supper and the symbolism of the bread and wine, help me to truly understand the sacrifice Jesus made for my sins. May this act of remembrance strengthen my faith and draw me closer to You. I pray for a heart that is prepared and grateful as I partake in communion, and that I may proclaim Your death and resurrection until You come again.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Before communion, pause to give thanks and examine your heart. If you owe someone an apology, make a plan to offer it without excuses. Let the grace we remember at the table become kindness someone can receive after we leave.
Faith, hope, and love in action through Christ and kindness.
