(1 Cor 11:26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.
It was the last night Jesus would be with His disciples. They were in an upper room celebrating Passover. All of a sudden Jesus did something unusual:
(Mat 26:26-28) And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Jesus instituted what we call “The Lord’s Supper” with His disciples. It’s also called “The Lord’s Table” (1 Cor 10:21) or simply “Communion.” Along with baptism it is what we describe as a Christian “sacrament” or “observance” established by the Lord for Christians to observe. (Baptism being a one-time sacrament and Communion an ongoing sacrament.)
So what is Communion all about? It is a memorial. We are proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes. The bread (or cracker, or wafer) symbolizes His body given for us and the wine (or juice) symbolizes His blood which was shed for us. It’s a time to remember all He did for us on the cross and to give thanks for our salvation. It’s a special time to come to the table and commune with the Lord just like a special meal with family or friends where you take your time and dine and appreciate each other’s company. In communion you “commune” with the Lord in intimate fellowship. (Rev 3:20)
Usually in going to a special dinner you freshen up and dress up. And as Christian’s we approach the Lord’s table ‘fessed up! (1 Cor 11:28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
I always feel unworthy to take Communion. As I think of the Lord’s suffering and crucifixion and then compare it to the quality of my Christian life, I feel wretched and undeserving of all He did for me. But then I quickly switch over to grace where the Lord wants me to be. I approach the table humbly and soberly. I confess my sins to the Lord. The Spirit assures me of the Lord’s forgiveness. I worship. Gratitude floods my soul. I sense a cleansing. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with God’s unconditional love. How He loves me! How I love Him!
How often should we celebrate Communion? The Bible doesn’t specifically say. It just says “ . . . as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup . . . ” (1 Cor 11:26) Each church is open to offer Communion as they feel led. For some it’s every week. For other’s it’s sporadic. Our church has chosen once a month as seems good to us.
Christians have a lot to celebrate in Christ. Take your time and dine. See you at the Table!
Louie