First Communion 2022
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Mark 14 : 22 - 25
Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, is a practice that the whole church observes in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. No matter what denomination you prescribe to, you have likely partaken in the eucharist. Unlike Baptism, which is a one time event, Communion is a practice meant to be observed over and over throughout the life of a Christian. It is a holy time of worship when we corporately come together as one body to remember and celebrate what Christ did for us.
Taking communion reminds us to look back. When we eat the bread and drink the wine, we do so in remembrance of Jesus.For centuries, followers of Jesus have met together to partake in a meal commonly referred to as the Lord's Supper. Some also refer to this meal as Communion or the Eucharist, which comes from the Greek eucharisteo, meaning "to give thanks.”
The bread and cup celebrate a new covenant and connect us to a new life source. The power that brought Jesus back from the dead is the same power that can heal the corruption and false trees in our own lives, transforming us into people of truth, beauty, and goodness.This meal invites us to remember Jesus. It represents to the senses⏤just like the meals God established for the Israelites⏤the life and death of Jesus. This meal is not something we do for Jesus; rather, it reminds us of what Jesus has done for us. And it becomes something we do with Jesus. We participate with him in it.
The Lord’s Supper reminds us of the life and work of Jesus, and it marks us as people of his new covenant. And while doing all of this, it also anticipates that final glorious feast. The meal serves as a taste of what is to come—a taste of true life. As we practice this new covenant meal, may it stir within us hope for his return and thankfulness for who he is and what he has done.
