Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:20 — 10.8MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS
When we participate in the Lord’s Supper, we are not merely going through a religious ritual. Instead, we are actively engaging in the blood and body of Christ. In Corinthians 10:16, it is stated that the cup we bless is a communion of the blood of Christ, and the bread we break is a communion of the body of Christ. The term “communion” comes from the Greek word “koinonia,” which signifies having in common, partnership, fellowship, and participation. By participating in the Lord’s Supper, we are not only associating ourselves with the sacrifice of Christ but also expressing our personal need and receiving forgiveness and deliverance from our sins. It is a time of remembrance and participation in the reality of Christ’s broken body and shed blood.
Moreover, when we partake in the Lord’s Supper or any spiritual feasting on Christ, our spiritual strength and sustenance are replenished. As mentioned in John 6:51-58, Jesus speaks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, which may not be a literal consumption but emphasizes deep fellowship and communion with Him. Jesus presents Himself to us daily for this spiritual feasting, and the Lord’s Supper serves as a special occasion to partake in His offering.
Additionally, participating in the Lord’s Supper fosters “koinonia” or partnership and fellowship among believers. In Corinthians 11:20-22, it is revealed that the Lord’s Supper celebrates the selfless sacrifice of Christ’s life for the needs of others. The Corinthians were admonished by Paul because they neglected the true essence of the Lord’s Supper by prioritizing themselves over those who had nothing to bring to the meal. This serves as a reminder that the Lord’s Supper is not just an individual act of communion with Christ but also a communal bond, uniting believers in their common faith and commitment to selfless love.
Finally, it is crucial to remember that Jesus resides in our hearts and is always present with us. The Lord’s Supper is a moment to consciously recognize and acknowledge His constant presence in our lives. As we partake in the Lord’s Supper, let us do so with gratitude, reverence, and a deep understanding of its significance as we commune with Christ, sustain our spiritual nourishment, cultivate fellowship with other believers, and acknowledge His continuous presence.