The Significance of Holy Communion
“Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’” – Matthew 26:27-29
In Matthew 26:27-29, Jesus’ disciples shared in the first communion with Him. It was after observing the last Passover that Jesus instituted what we know as the Lord’s Supper. The essential elements of the Lord’s Supper are wine and bread. They are signs that Jesus used to help His people to remember His sacrifice for them. As sinful people, we need to be reminded because people tend to forget.
In Holy Communion, the wine symbolizes Jesus’ blood that was shed for the atonement of sins. Atonement means that humankind is reconciled to God by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The bread symbolizes the body of Christ. Jesus used it to represent His body, which would be broken and sacrificed for people’s sins. This act established a new covenant and a way for believers to remember His sacrifice. Furthermore, bread is a staple food, representing Christ as the "bread of life" who provides spiritual sustenance and the unity of the church, the body of Christ.
Holy Communion is a sacrament. A sacrament is a means of grace which is a tool God uses to help nurture faith in believers, helping them receive salvation and grow spiritually. God’s grace is a blessing that is freely given to the undeserving people because no one can save themselves (Titus 3:5). Christ’s saving grace is spiritually communicated to believers when they partake in communion by faith. It is important to know if someone partakes in Holy Communion in a “unworthy” matter may be subject to the judgment of God. To learn more about taking Holy Communion in an unworthy manner read the devotional, “Knowing the Importance of Holy Communion”.
Prayer of the day:
Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you for Jesus and His great sacrifice. He is the bread of life. We want life that only Jesus can give. He is the way, the truth and the life. We can not go to heaven without Him. Please help us to partake in Holy Communion in a holy manner since it is important to because it is a means of grace that represents what Jesus did for us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
