Communion is also referred to in the bible as, The Lord’s Supper, Breaking Bread, and Giving Thanks. The picture is that of a simple shared meal. This was a time of being thankful, receiving healing, receiving forgiveness, and forgiving others through remembering Jesus’ work on the cross.
What Is Communion?
(14) When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table.
(15) And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
(16) For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
(17) After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you.
(18) For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
(19) And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
(20) In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Do you think Jesus would like to have a meal with you?
What did Jesus say the bread represents?
What does the drink represent?
(46) Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
Where did people have communion?
Who can join in communion?
Describe how the people felt when they had communion together?
Forgiveness Through Jesus’ Blood
(8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(9) Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
How did God show his love to us?
How have we been justified (declared 100% righteous)?
Do you feel 100% righteous?
Healing Through Jesus’ Body
(4) Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
(5) But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
What did Isaiah’s prophecy say would happen to Jesus?
(24) “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Who can receive healing through Jesus’ wounds?
Jesus is extending forgiveness and healing to everyone who wants to come close to him. How do you feel about forgiveness and healing?
Ask a Friend
Have you ever been part of communion?
How do you feel about communion?
Application
Next time you have a meal with your church family remember what Jesus has done for you, receive the meal, big or small, with a thankful heart, and if you need forgiveness or healing, take time to ask Jesus for help.
Prayer Model
Jesus, thank you for forgiving my sins through your blood. I know that your body was beaten and bruised, and you went through so much pain, so that I could receive forgiveness and healing.
Key Verse
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
