When we think about communion, it often brings to mind the profound moments of unity and reflection within a church service. This sacred ritual, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, traces its origins to Jesus Christ himself. Let’s dive into the depths of this important Christian tradition, focusing on what it means, how it started, and why it matters to believers today.
The Last Supper: The First Communion
Communion’s roots are found in the Last Supper, a pivotal event in the New Testament. This was the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus established what we now know as communion.
Setting the Scene
The Last Supper took place during the Jewish festival of Passover, a time commemorating Israel’s escape from slavery in Egypt. According to the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 26:26-28), Jesus used elements from the Passover meal—bread and wine—to convey a deeper, spiritual meaning.
Jesus’ Actions
During the meal, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then He took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” These actions and words instituted the practice of communion, making it a cornerstone of Christian worship.
The Meaning Behind the Elements
The Bread: Jesus’ Body
When Jesus broke the bread, He referred to it as His body. This symbolizes His sacrifice on the cross. As the bread is broken, it represents His body being broken for humanity. In partaking of the bread, believers remember and internalize the sacrifice Jesus made.
The Wine: Jesus’ Blood
The wine represents Jesus’ blood, which was shed for the forgiveness of sins. In Jewish tradition, blood is a powerful symbol of life and covenant. By referring to the wine as His blood, Jesus highlighted the new covenant between God and humanity—a covenant based on grace and redemption rather than the old system of sacrifices.
The Significance of Communion
Communion is more than just a ritual; it’s a profound act of worship and remembrance. Here’s why it holds such significance:
1. Remembrance of Jesus’ Sacrifice
- Communion is a reminder of Jesus’ sacrificial death. Each time believers partake in communion, they recall the suffering and love that led Jesus to the cross.
2. Proclamation of Faith
- By participating in communion, Christians proclaim their faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s a public declaration of their belief in His saving power.
3. Spiritual Nourishment
- Just as food nourishes the body, communion nourishes the soul. It provides spiritual sustenance and strength to believers.
4. Unity with Christ and Other Believers
- Communion unites believers with Christ and with each other. It’s a shared experience that fosters community and reflects the unity of the body of Christ.
How to Participate in Communion
While different denominations have varied practices, the essence of communion remains the same. Here’s a basic outline of how communion is typically observed:
1. Preparation
- Many churches encourage believers to prepare their hearts before taking communion. This might involve self-reflection, confession of sins, and seeking reconciliation with others.
2. Distribution of Elements
- The bread and wine (or juice) are distributed to the congregation. Some churches use wafers or small pieces of bread, while others use a loaf that’s shared and passed around.
3. Partaking Together
- The congregation eats the bread and drinks the wine together, often after a prayer of thanksgiving and a recitation of Jesus’ words from the Last Supper.
4. Reflection and Prayer
- After communion, there’s usually a time for silent reflection and prayer, allowing believers to contemplate the significance of the act and their relationship with Christ.
Bible Verses on Communion
To deepen our understanding, let’s look at some key Bible verses that highlight the importance of communion:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
- “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 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.’ 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.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Luke 22:19-20
- “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, 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.’”
John 6:53-56
- “Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.’”
Conclusion
Communion is a powerful and sacred practice that connects believers to Jesus’ sacrifice and to each other. Whether you’re taking communion for the first time or the hundredth, it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and draw closer to the heart of Christ. Remember, each piece of bread and sip of wine (or juice) is a step in the journey of faith, rooted in love and grace.
FAQs About Communion
1. What is communion, and why is it important?
Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, is a Christian sacrament where believers partake in bread and wine (or juice) to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s important because it symbolizes Jesus’ body and blood, reminding believers of His death and resurrection and fostering a sense of unity and community.
2. How did communion originate?
Communion originated from the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. During this meal, Jesus broke bread and shared wine, establishing these elements as symbols of His body and blood, and instructing His followers to continue this practice in remembrance of Him.
3. What do the bread and wine represent?
The bread represents Jesus’ body, which was broken for humanity, symbolizing His sacrifice. The wine represents Jesus’ blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins, signifying the new covenant between God and humanity based on grace and redemption.
4. Who can participate in communion?
Typically, communion is open to all baptized Christians who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. Different denominations may have specific guidelines or requirements, so it’s best to check with your local church.
5. How often should communion be taken?
The frequency of communion varies by denomination and church. Some observe it weekly, others monthly, and some on special occasions. The key is to approach communion with reverence and a heart ready to remember and reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice.
6. Can children take communion?
This depends on the denomination. Some churches allow children to participate once they understand the significance of communion, while others have specific age or educational requirements. It’s best to consult with your church’s guidelines.
7. What should I do to prepare for communion?
Preparation for communion often involves self-reflection, confession of sins, and seeking reconciliation with others. It’s a time to examine your heart and approach the sacrament with humility and gratitude.
8. What happens during a communion service?
During a communion service, the bread and wine (or juice) are distributed to the congregation. After a prayer of thanksgiving and a recitation of Jesus’ words from the Last Supper, the congregation partakes in the elements together, followed by a period of reflection and prayer.
9. Why do some churches use juice instead of wine?
Some churches use grape juice instead of wine to accommodate those who abstain from alcohol for personal, health, or recovery reasons. The use of juice ensures that all believers can participate fully in communion.
10. What’s the significance of self-examination before communion?
Self-examination before communion is important because it encourages believers to reflect on their spiritual condition, confess sins, and seek reconciliation with others. It’s a way to approach communion with a pure heart, ready to receive and remember Christ’s sacrifice.
11. Is there a biblical basis for communion?
Yes, communion is rooted in biblical accounts of the Last Supper, found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and in 1 Corinthians. These passages describe how Jesus instituted the practice and instructed His followers to continue it in remembrance of Him.
12. Can I take communion if I haven’t been baptized?
Most denominations require baptism before taking communion, as it signifies entry into the Christian faith. However, practices vary, so it’s best to check with your church’s guidelines.
13. How should I approach communion if I’m struggling with sin or doubt?
Approach communion with honesty and openness. It’s a time for seeking forgiveness and grace. Struggling with sin or doubt doesn’t disqualify you; instead, it’s an opportunity to bring your burdens to Christ and seek His help and healing.
14. What if I miss a communion service?
Missing a communion service doesn’t affect your standing with God. While regular participation is encouraged for spiritual nourishment and community, God’s grace is always available to you. You can always participate in the next service or seek a personal time of reflection and prayer.
15. How does communion differ across Christian denominations?
Communion practices vary among denominations in terms of frequency, elements used (bread and wine or juice), and theological emphasis. For instance, Roman Catholics believe in transubstantiation, where the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, while many Protestant denominations view them as symbolic. Despite these differences, the core purpose of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice remains consistent.
