Communion: The Table That Unites Us
John 6:53–56
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.”
These are weighty words from Jesus—words that are both profound and, at first glance, mysterious. What does it mean to eat His flesh and drink His blood?
What is Communion, and why do we do it?
This week, we paused our series on the Apostles’ Creed to focus on a practice that has united Christians across time, denominations, and cultures: Communion—also known as the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, or the breaking of bread.
A Universal Practice with Diverse Forms
Almost every Christian church practices Communion in some form, though the frequency, style, and understanding can vary. Some churches take it every week, others monthly or quarterly. Some use wine, others grape juice. Some dip bread into the cup (intinction), others pass trays or share a common cup.
While the methods differ, the central meaning remains rooted in Scripture, and it has always been about unity, not division. Sadly, we’ve often let the "how" distract us from the "why."
A Practice Rooted in Relationship
The early Church practiced Communion as part of a shared meal. In Acts 2, the new believers devoted themselves to breaking bread together daily. In Luke 24, two disciples walking to Emmaus recognized Jesus only when He broke bread with them. These early examples highlight Communion’s relational and communal nature.
When Jesus first instituted Communion at the Last Supper, it was during the Passover meal—a tradition celebrating God’s rescue of His people from Egypt. Jesus gave new meaning to that celebration: He is the true Passover Lamb, the final sacrifice for sin.
Even the setting matters—Jesus and His disciples were reclining at the table, symbolizing intimacy and shared life. Communion isn’t just a ritual; it’s a family meal. It draws us together as the people of God.
Communion Requires Reconciliation
Because it’s a relational act, Communion invites us to examine not only our hearts before God but also our relationships with others. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5 that if we are at odds with someone, we should seek reconciliation before offering our gifts at the altar. The same principle applies to the Communion table.
If there is conflict in your heart toward another believer, don’t rush to the table. First, seek peace. Communion isn’t about appearing perfect; it’s about coming clean—before God and each other.
You Are Already Forgiven—But Are You Right With God?
When we place our faith in Jesus, we are forgiven—past, present, and future. Yet our sin still affects our relationship with God. Communion is a beautiful opportunity to pause and ask, “Lord, where have I drifted? Where do I need to be restored?”
It’s not a ritual that saves us, but it’s a moment that shapes us.
Communion is a Celebration
While Communion is reflective, it’s also a celebration. It looks backward to Christ’s sacrifice, inward to our hearts, and forward to the day we will feast with Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19). It’s a foretaste of heaven—a covenant renewal ceremony where we, as equals and beloved children of God, remember who we are and whose we are.
But Paul warned the Corinthian church about losing the heart of the table. In 1 Corinthians 11, he rebuked them for turning Communion into a display of division, where the wealthy feasted while the poor were left out. His challenge still rings true: Are we coming to the table with humility and unity, or with pride and self-interest?
Freedom in the Form, Unity in the Heart
There’s freedom in how we practice Communion—what bread we use, how we serve the cup, how often we partake. But at its core, Communion is about remembering Christ, celebrating salvation, reconciling relationships, and renewing our identity as God’s people.
Let’s not lose the wonder in the routine. Let’s not come to the table distracted or divided. Instead, let’s come hungry—not just for bread and juice, but for Jesus Himself, the true food and true drink.
Next Communion Sunday, ask yourself:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.”
These are weighty words from Jesus—words that are both profound and, at first glance, mysterious. What does it mean to eat His flesh and drink His blood?
What is Communion, and why do we do it?
This week, we paused our series on the Apostles’ Creed to focus on a practice that has united Christians across time, denominations, and cultures: Communion—also known as the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, or the breaking of bread.
A Universal Practice with Diverse Forms
Almost every Christian church practices Communion in some form, though the frequency, style, and understanding can vary. Some churches take it every week, others monthly or quarterly. Some use wine, others grape juice. Some dip bread into the cup (intinction), others pass trays or share a common cup.
While the methods differ, the central meaning remains rooted in Scripture, and it has always been about unity, not division. Sadly, we’ve often let the "how" distract us from the "why."
A Practice Rooted in Relationship
The early Church practiced Communion as part of a shared meal. In Acts 2, the new believers devoted themselves to breaking bread together daily. In Luke 24, two disciples walking to Emmaus recognized Jesus only when He broke bread with them. These early examples highlight Communion’s relational and communal nature.
When Jesus first instituted Communion at the Last Supper, it was during the Passover meal—a tradition celebrating God’s rescue of His people from Egypt. Jesus gave new meaning to that celebration: He is the true Passover Lamb, the final sacrifice for sin.
Even the setting matters—Jesus and His disciples were reclining at the table, symbolizing intimacy and shared life. Communion isn’t just a ritual; it’s a family meal. It draws us together as the people of God.
Communion Requires Reconciliation
Because it’s a relational act, Communion invites us to examine not only our hearts before God but also our relationships with others. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5 that if we are at odds with someone, we should seek reconciliation before offering our gifts at the altar. The same principle applies to the Communion table.
If there is conflict in your heart toward another believer, don’t rush to the table. First, seek peace. Communion isn’t about appearing perfect; it’s about coming clean—before God and each other.
You Are Already Forgiven—But Are You Right With God?
When we place our faith in Jesus, we are forgiven—past, present, and future. Yet our sin still affects our relationship with God. Communion is a beautiful opportunity to pause and ask, “Lord, where have I drifted? Where do I need to be restored?”
It’s not a ritual that saves us, but it’s a moment that shapes us.
Communion is a Celebration
While Communion is reflective, it’s also a celebration. It looks backward to Christ’s sacrifice, inward to our hearts, and forward to the day we will feast with Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19). It’s a foretaste of heaven—a covenant renewal ceremony where we, as equals and beloved children of God, remember who we are and whose we are.
But Paul warned the Corinthian church about losing the heart of the table. In 1 Corinthians 11, he rebuked them for turning Communion into a display of division, where the wealthy feasted while the poor were left out. His challenge still rings true: Are we coming to the table with humility and unity, or with pride and self-interest?
Freedom in the Form, Unity in the Heart
There’s freedom in how we practice Communion—what bread we use, how we serve the cup, how often we partake. But at its core, Communion is about remembering Christ, celebrating salvation, reconciling relationships, and renewing our identity as God’s people.
Let’s not lose the wonder in the routine. Let’s not come to the table distracted or divided. Instead, let’s come hungry—not just for bread and juice, but for Jesus Himself, the true food and true drink.
Next Communion Sunday, ask yourself:
- Have I been reconciled to God?
- Am I holding anything against a brother or sister?
- Am I approaching the table with gratitude and joy?
Posted in Apostles\\\' Creed, Authentic Faith, Church History, Theology , Communion
Posted in Communion, forgiveness, Family, Church, Relationship, Faith essentials
Posted in Communion, forgiveness, Family, Church, Relationship, Faith essentials
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