When I travel and visit different congregations several times a year, I have the privilege of participating in their communion services. While churches differ in how they serve it—the part of the service in which communion happens and even the amount of time given to it—two things remain the same: Communion is about the blood and the body. Observing the Lord’s Table is a very special part of our gathering together. It was the centerpiece of Christ’s last time with his disciples before his crucifixion and resurrection.
Imagine that night! It was the subject of the famous painting “The Last Supper” by Leonardo DaVinci. Celebrating the Passover meal, Jesus seized this moment to solidify the spiritual message of the moment. This ceremony would have proclaimed God’s faithfulness of the past (cup of deliverance) while looking forward to the future (cup of the Messiah). Declaring that the future had arrived, Jesus revealed that this cup represents “my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).
What has struck me lately though is the bread that represents His body; broken, bruised, chastised, whipped and beaten. I’m coming to embrace not only the cup, but the bread! He has not only forgiven me, but he has freed me from the ultimate effects of a world that is bent on breaking people, marriages, ministries, you name it! Too many of us, too often, carry around the evidence of injury, disappointment and pain, when He purposely allowed His body to be broken, so that you wouldn’t have to be broken by the circumstances that you encounter. Remember you’re not only forgiven, but you’re free! Live like it!
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” -John 8:36 (NKJV)
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By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor
