Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is an essential and sacred practice in the Christian faith. Unfortunately, like many other aspects of Christianity, people have turned it into a religious ceremony that undermines the true meaning of this powerful blessing. Holy Communion is a profoundly spiritual practice that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples. In this blog post, we will delve into the origins and significance of Holy Communion. We’ll also explore the scriptures that underpin this meaningful practice.
Holy Communion has its roots in the New Testament, primarily in the accounts of the Last Supper, an event that occurred the night before Jesus was crucified. According to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus gathered His disciples to share a final meal.
“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 NKJV).
When Christians take Communion, we are doing several things. It is an act of worship: “After He took bread, gave thanks.” It is a sign of obedience: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” It also invokes His blessings: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26 NKJV). When Christians partake in Communion, we supernaturally worship God, walk in obedience, and invoke His blessings of healing, deliverance, and protection. This should be done with reverence, not as part of religious practice or habit.
The Apostle Paul further elaborated on the significance of Holy Communion in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread” (1 Corinthians 10:16–17 NKJV). Christians believe that they are spiritually present with Christ by partaking in Holy Communion. Sharing the Communion elements represents the unity of believers as the body of Christ. It signifies the fellowship and communion with one another in Christ. In John 6:51, Jesus declares, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.” Holy Communion is a means of spiritual nourishment and strength for individuals with faith.
When Christians partake in Communion, we enter into a covenant with God, a formal agreement in which God promises to do certain things on behalf of humanity. “And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many” (Mark 14:24 NKJV). The old covenant was flawed and showed man’s frailty in pleasing God; thus, Jesus’ death established a new covenant. “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant” (Hebrews 9:15 ESV). Through the new covenant established by Jesus, we are granted redemption from our sins and eternal forgiveness, allowing us to achieve salvation and approach the presence of God with confidence. Moreover, we are rescued from the darkness surrounding us and granted victory over death, providing us with true healing of both body and soul.
Before participating in Communion, it is necessary to examine ourselves. “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28 ESV). Eating the bread and drinking from the cup in an “unworthy manner” refers to doing so without proper respect and understanding of the spiritual and symbolic meaning of the act. “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27 NKJV). This suggests a lack of appreciation for the spiritual significance of their actions and the sacred elements involved.
In conclusion, the Holy Communion is a significant practice of immense value for Christians worldwide. It is a concrete way of remembering and actively participating in the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. The scriptures lay the foundation for this practice, emphasizing its significance as a source of spiritual nourishment, unity, and remembrance. As Christians partake in the bread and the cup, they are reminded of Christ’s immense love and grace, which strengthens their faith and reaffirms their commitment to follow Him.
Heavenly Father,
We gather today to reflect on the profound significance of Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper. Our purpose is to understand and honor this sacred practice, not as a mere ritual, but as a powerful act of worship, obedience, and blessing.
We recollect the Last Supper when Jesus broke bread and shared a cup, instructing us to do the same in remembrance of Him. We appreciate the spiritual nourishment and unity it brings to believers, as we partake of His body and blood.
We recognize that Holy Communion is a covenant established through the shedding of Jesus’s blood, providing redemption from sin, and the promise of salvation. We approach this act with humility and self-examination, understanding its profound significance.
We express our gratitude for this precious practice that reminds us of Your love and grace. May it continue to strengthen our faith and deepen our commitment to follow Jesus.
Amen.