by J.C. Weeks

Created on: October 03, 2008   Last Updated: October 04, 2008

This act of "consuming Jesus' body and blood," whether you refer to it as, Communion, The Lord's Supper or The Eucharist (just to name a few), is one of the most Holy Sacraments of the church. It was instituted by Jesus Christ, Himself, and to true believers it is one of the most precious and spiritually gratifying activities in which you can participate.

To understand the reenactment of the original communion, it must first be clear that this is a symbolic act in which the believer, because of the affection they feel for their Savior, eats bread and drinks wine which typifies the body and the blood of Jesus Christ. There is nothing to connote vampirism or any other profane deed within this beautiful act of remembrance.

Look at the history of Communion. Look at its origin. In three of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke we see the story of how Communion began on the night Jesus was betrayed. Later, the Apostle Paul reiterated what happened on that night. He said, "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. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

The bread was a representation of the body of Jesus Christ which would be beaten and broken as he was whipped and crucified for the sins of mankind. The cup of wine was a representation of the "New Covenant" He was making with His people through His blood. As He hung on the cross and shed His blood He was bringing freedom and liberty. They would no longer have to live by the old tenets of religion, but He would bring in a new period of salvation by grace through faith.

Jesus' first miracle, at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, was turning water into wine, but nowhere in the Word of God do we see Him turning real wine into real blood. It was a symbolic gesture which was instituted as a constant reminder to His followers of the awesome price He would pay for the remission of their sins! And I am so glad He did. When I participate in Communion at my church, I am calling to MY OWN PERSONAL remembrance how much He suffered for MY sins and how costly MY forgiveness was for Him!

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