Communion
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."
23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 "This is my blood of the [24] covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.
25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."
26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
A. The body of Christ, broken for us
1) Jesus' words as our nourishment for life
2) Becoming a part of Jesus' body that was broken for us
B. The blood of Chris, shed for us
1) A symbol of Jesus' sacrificial love, and a symbol of his forgiveness.
2) The cross teaches us the true meaning of Passover
Summary
Like baptism, communion is a sacrament that Jesus commanded us to keep. Both of these sacraments help make our worship visible and tangible. In many churches, communion is part of the weekly worship service, and there are different schools as to how and how often it should be conducted. The important thing is that we understand the significance of communion. Receiving Jesus' body--which was broken for us--means that we recognize his sacrifice for us, repent, and reaffirm our place in his body, the church. Jesus' blood symbolizes his forgiveness and the offer of eternal life; it is the highest form of love, a love in which we are committed to live.
For Discussion
1) What is the significance of the wine and the bread?
2) Who can participate in communion?