Word of the Week: Communion

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
The Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to God for it, he broke it and gave it to his disciples and said, “Take this and eat it. This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new agreement between God and you that has been established and set in motion by my blood. Do this in remembrance of me whenever you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup you are retelling the message of the Lord’s death, that he has died for you. Do this until he comes again.

The bread (or wafer) and wine (or grape juice) represent the body and blood of Christ. They remind us that he died on the cross and rose again to forgive our sins and restore us to right relationship with God. There is nothing magical about the bread and wine, they are just a reminder - just like a wedding ring is a reminder of the two people's endless love for each other.

Communion is also known as the Lord's Supper, the Lord's Table, and the Eucharist. When Jesus shared the bread and wine with his disciples, they were celebrating the Passover (more about that in the future). It was actually the last meal Jesus ate with his disciples because Judas betrayed him and he was arrested later that night.

Some churches share communion each time they meet, some do it once a month. The Bible instructs us to keep doing it until Jesus comes again.

1 Corinthians 11:28-29
You should each examine yourself first, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup. For if you do not recognise the meaning of the Lord's body when you eat the bread and drink from the cup, you bring judgment on yourself as you eat and drink.

You should make sure you participate in communion with the right attitude, otherwise you are sinning. Communion is a time of reflection and repentance, a time to confess your sins to God and ask for forgiveness.