What is Communion?
This week we explore the second sacrament known as Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist.
Read about Jesus’ Last Supper:
Luke 22:19-20 – And [Jesus] took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (ESV)
What are the two elements of Communion and what do they represent?
Bread represents Jesus’ body broken for us. Wine or grape juice represent his blood shed for us.
What do the elements make us think about?
First, we remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us. Second, we remember the purpose of that sacrifice: to free us from the guilt and power of sin. Third, we look forward to the future when Christ restores the entire world to himself (see v. 18; Rev. 19:7-9).
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 – The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (ESV)
Are taking the elements only remembering?
No, we are participating in Christ.
What does this do to us?
We are uniting ourselves with Jesus and with everyone else who is uniting with Jesus.
Scripture Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 11:26 – For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (ESV)
What is Communion?
Communion is when we participate in Christ and the entire church by taking elements of bread and wine.
See further treatments on the sacraments by Dr. Tim Tennent: What is a Sacrament? and What are the Means of Grace?
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