Remembering Jesus’ Sacrifice

Communion is a time for Christians to remember and reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

The bread and wine (or juice) symbolize His body and blood, which were given for the forgiveness of sins.

In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul recounts Jesus’ words and emphasizes the importance of remembering His sacrifice: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

By participating in communion, believers are reminded of the tremendous love and grace demonstrated through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Through His death, Jesus established a new covenant between God and humanity.

This new covenant is based on grace and forgiveness rather than adherence to the Old Testament law.

In Matthew 26:28, Jesus says, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Celebrating communion is a way for Christians to acknowledge and celebrate this new covenant, recognizing that through Jesus, they have a restored relationship with God.

Communion is also a powerful expression of unity among believers. It is a practice that brings Christians together, regardless of their differences, to share in the body and blood of Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Paul writes, “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.”

This act of sharing in communion reminds believers that they are part of a larger community—the body of Christ.

Proclaiming Faith and Hope

When Christians participate in communion, they are also proclaiming their faith in Jesus and their hope in His return.

As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Communion is not just a look back at what Jesus did, but also a look forward to His promised return.

It is an affirmation of faith and a declaration of hope in the future fulfillment of God’s promises.

Encouraging Self-Examination

Communion is a time for self-examination and repentance.

Paul advises believers in 1 Corinthians 11:28, “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”

This practice encourages Christians to reflect on their own lives, confess their sins, and seek God’s forgiveness.

It is a moment to realign one’s heart and mind with God’s will and to recommit to living a life that honors Him.

Receiving Spiritual Nourishment

Lastly, communion provides spiritual nourishment for believers.

Just as physical food sustains the body, the act of taking communion sustains the soul.

Jesus said in John 6:35, “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”

By participating in communion, Christians are reminded that Jesus is their source of spiritual life and strength.

Christians celebrate communion because it is a command from Jesus, a remembrance of His sacrifice, a celebration of the new covenant, an expression of unity, a proclamation of faith and hope, a time for self-examination, and a source of spiritual nourishment.

This sacred practice is a profound way for believers to connect with God, reflect on His love, and strengthen their faith.

As Christians partake in communion, they are drawn closer to God and to one another, deepening their relationship with Christ and with the community of believers.