Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist or Breaking bread is the physical act of remembering Jesus’s death on the cross for us, by taking Bread and wine or juice which represent Christ’s body and blood.
Why is Communion important?
Jesus told us to, “Do this… in remembrance of me” (
Luke 22:19).
When we take communion, we are remembering Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The bread is a reminder that Christ’s body was broken for us. He took the punishment for all our sins upon himself, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ (
Romans 8:1). The wine speaks to us of Jesus’s blood which was poured out so we could be forgiven and made pure. When we eat and drink these elements, just as we depend on food and drink to live physically, we are reminded that true life is only found through feasting on Christ (
John 6:54).
How should Communion be taken?
Churches celebrate Communion in many different ways. At Christ Church, we take it at our Home groups and as a whole church on the first Sunday of each month. There is no absolutely right way to observe it but in addressing the church in Corinth, Paul shows us four universal truths about how Communion should be taken (
1 Corinthians 11:17-34).
One – It’s for Christ’s followers.
It is a meal for Christians, men and women who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. It is an act of worship, a physical remembrance of what Christ has accomplished for us on the cross.
Two – With the church.
As the name Communion suggests it is designed to be enjoyed together, with the body of believers. This can be two or three or the entire local church.
Three – In a worthy manner.
This does not mean that only those who are perfect can take part (Only Jesus would be able to take it if that was true). It means that if you have any unrepentant sin that the Spirit brings to mind, don’t leave it till later to make it right but bring it straight away to God and repent. And if there is disunity and repentance needs to be made between two Christians, where possible first they should do what they can to make things right, then come and eat with a clear consensus.
Four – It should be taken.
This may seem obvious but the assumption in scripture is that as believers we are regularly remembering the death of Christ through this meal. Every week, once a month, in a big church setting or as small groups in homes, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that believers of Jesus are regularly gathering together and in their gatherings, time is made for Communion
