The Table of Sacrifice: Communion with Christ
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Communion with Christ
Communion with Christ
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for 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 again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Big Idea: When we gather for the Lord’s Supper Christ is the central focus.
Introduction:
As we gather together today, we are drawn to a sacred moment in history, a moment where Jesus, our Lord and Savior, established a profound and transformative ritual — the institution of the Lord's Supper. In the Gospel of Matthew, we find ourselves at the table with Jesus and his disciples, sharing in a meal that would forever change the course of human history.
This moment, set against the backdrop of the Passover feast, holds deep significance and symbolism. Just as the Israelites commemorated their deliverance from slavery in Egypt through the Passover meal, Jesus now institutes a new covenant, a new form of remembrance that would bind his followers together in unity and love.
The Passover, a foundational event in the history of Israel, serves as a precursor to the sacrament we now observe. It was a night of deliverance, when the blood of the lamb marked the doors of the faithful, shielding them from the judgment that befell Egypt. In a similar vein, Christ, our Paschal Lamb, institutes a new covenant through the bread and wine, offering us a pathway to redemption and eternal fellowship with God.
As we delve into this passage, let us journey together through the rich tapestry of biblical truth woven into the bread and wine — symbols of Christ's body and blood — and explore the profound implications for our lives today.
Transition: Firstly, the text indicates:
Our Union with Christ (v.26)
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
Jesus intentionally serves his disciples and provides them a portion of the bread. The Scripture states that Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples. Taking, breaking, and giving demonstrates the humility of Christ. Though He is Lord, He is serving the men whom He teaches and leads. This act of service exemplifies His teachings on servant leadership, where true greatness is found in serving others. It's a powerful reminder that even the most exalted among us should humbly serve those around us, mirroring the selfless love and sacrifice of Jesus himself.
28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Fellowship with Christ
Christ offers fellowship with Him. He says, “Take eat, this is my body.” This type of fellowship is what we call the covenant. More theologically stated, a new covenant. He is now the passover and the door to salvation. He is God’s promise that whoever accepts Jesus will be saved. This is the moment of union with Christ. To eat the bread is to accept that He is the appointed messiah. It signifies not only a physical act but also a spiritual communion, where believers partake in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In this act of partaking of the bread, we symbolically participate in the redemptive work of Christ, acknowledging our dependence on Him for salvation and our unity with Him as members of His body, the Church.
Transition: Secondly, the text today helps us see:
Christ’s Sacrifice (vv.27-28)
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Now we note that Christ takes a cup, He prays, and gives it to His disciples. His humility and intentionality are yet on display as He offers His disciples the fruit of the vine. He tells them to drink of it because it represents the blood of the covenant that is poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This was no new term for them. They were familiar with the covenant of blood.
8 And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”
Jesus is now showing that he will shed His blood. That He will become the slain lamb.
In other words, it symbolizes the sacrificial act of Jesus. Jesus is showing his disciples that because of His death, the sins of the world will be forgiven. But only through acceptance of His act of sacrifice will one receive this forgiveness of sins. It is through His blood that sin is washed away, cleansing sinners completely.
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we owe Him thanks. His selfless act of love and redemption calls for our gratitude and devotion. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the incredible price paid for our salvation and the depth of God's love for us. Our response should be one of profound thanksgiving and a commitment to live in accordance with His teachings, striving to reflect His love and grace in our lives.
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Transition: Lastly, we encounter:
Our Eternity with Christ (v.29)
I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Jesus promises His disciples that He is committed to them, and the day will come when they will drink the cup together, but it will not be here. It will be in the eternal Kingdom of God. This promise serves as an anchor of hope, a reminder that their fellowship with Him transcends the temporal realm and extends into eternity. They are given something to look forward to, a future where they will experience complete communion with their Lord in the fullness of His kingdom.
See, not only is the Lord’s Supper a poignant reminder of the sacrificial death of Christ, but it also serves as a powerful symbol of the new eternal life to come. It signifies the ultimate victory over sin and death, and the dawn of a glorious future where believers will enjoy unbroken fellowship with God in His eternal kingdom. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are not only commemorating the past but also anticipating the future, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God's promises and the consummation of His kingdom.
So, what now. . .
Application: As we reflect on the Lord’s Supper and Jesus' sacrifice, let us consider the importance of communion in our spiritual lives. Just as Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples, inviting them to remember His sacrifice, we too are called to participate in communion as a tangible reminder of Christ's love and grace.
Regular participation: Commit to participating in communion regularly, either during church services or in personal devotional times. Use this sacred act as an opportunity to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and express gratitude for His love and forgiveness. No, don’t blow it off. . .
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Examination of heart: Before partaking in communion, take a moment to examine your heart and confess any sins or areas of spiritual need. Approach the table with humility and sincerity, seeking reconciliation and renewal in Christ.
Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
Communal unity: Recognize communion as a symbol of our unity as believers in Christ. As we partake together, we affirm our shared faith and fellowship with one another, transcending differences and divisions.
complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Transformational impact: Allow communion to impact your daily life beyond the church walls. Let the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice inspire you to live a life of sacrificial love, service, and obedience to God's will.
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
By embracing communion with reverence and intentionality, we can experience deeper communion with Christ and draw closer to His heart. Let us approach the table of sacrifice with faith and gratitude, knowing that through Christ, we are eternally redeemed and restored.