JESUS SPEAKING
When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve Apostles with Him. Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves: for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22: 14 – 20)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
During the last supper, Jesus instituted a critical Christian practice known as communion; a ritualistic act of eating bread and drinking wine (grape juice) in remembrance of His sacrifice upon the cross. The bread represents His broken body and the wine (grape juice) is symbolic of the blood He shed upon the cross. This communal celebration is an essential practice for those who are following Jesus Christ.
Although some today question the correct frequency required for the observance of communion (and there is some legitimate debate), we are given a guiding example in the new testament. In the book of Acts, chapter 20 verse 7 we read, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” In the Jewish culture, the first day of the week began on Saturday evening and ended when the sun went down on Sunday. This is the reason why Sunday morning services are so common in our Churches. And so, with this scripture in mind, weekly communion seems to be ideal. (Note: some early Christians practiced daily communion.)
As believers, communion represents an essential practice rooted in solid Christian doctrine. As we gather together in our celebration of Christ’s sacrifice, may we partake of the bread and wine (grape juice) in a manner that honors God. And in so doing, reiterate our commitment to the faith and our remembrance of the new covenant; through which we have received forgiveness and salvation.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that You sent Your Son to save us from our sins and to grant us eternal life. May we joyfully celebrate Your awesome deliverance as we partake in communion with our fellow believers. May we never forget the incredible sacrifice that Your Son made for our reconciliation and forgiveness. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 