Holy Communion

The night before his crucifixion, Jesus gathered his disciples for a significant meal known as Holy Communion:

^‘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.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’  Matthew 26:26-28 (NKJV)

During this intimate gathering, he instructed his followers to observe this ceremony in his remembrance. The Apostle Paul echoes this command in 1 Corinthians 11:26, emphasizing the importance of Holy Communion for believers. Therefore, Christians regularly observe this sacred ritual in churches or fellowship groups.

The elements of Holy Communion consist of bread and wine or grape juice, and the manner in which it is celebrated can vary among congregations. The service usually begins with the pastor, an elder, or a group leader explaining the significance of the ceremony and encouraging participants to reflect on its meaning. The leader then breaks unleavened bread into smaller pieces and prays. Then, he prays for the wine or grape juice. It is important to note that some individuals may choose not to participate for personal reasons.

Different churches have their unique ways of serving Holy Communion. For example, some congregations may use a single communal cup for drinking, while others opt for individual cups. When praying over the elements, a leader might say, "Lord, we thank you for your sacrifice on the cross that saved us. This cup of wine represents your blood that was shed for us." A prayer for the bread might include, "We thank you for bearing our sins, allowing us to be free today. This bread symbolizes your body that was beaten for us."

Most churches observe Holy Communion once a month, creating a sacred moment for the congregation. The pastor or church leaders may either bring the elements of communion to the members or ask participants to walk to the altar and receive the bread and wine from a tray.

During this service, participants can eat and drink the elements immediately or hold them until the leader instructs them to partake together. Church leaders should remind everyone to examine their hearts and approach this moment with pure motives.

Holy Communion transcends mere ritual; it carries a profound message. Apostle Paul highlights its significance for the people of Corinth, emphasizing the spiritual connection among believers:

‘For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.’ 1 Corinthians 11:23-28 (NKJV)

When we speak of the body of Christ, we refer to all believers collectively. Symbolically, every believer is a part of one body, with Christ as the head. This is why the church is often described as the body of Christ. Importantly, Scripture defines the church not as a physical building but as the assembly of believers, a global community of Christian brothers and sisters united in faith!

“For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slave or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:12–13

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Questions: 

1. The church leaders decided to create the ritual of the Holy Communion. 
2. As we partake in the Holy Communion, we examine our hearts and motives to be pure and God-honoring.