Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, holds a place of profound importance in the Christian faith. It is a sacred practice that symbolizes our unity with Christ and with one another, demonstrating to the world that we belong to God. When we partake in communion, we eat from the same table, share the same meal, and do so together as a community of believers. This act is a powerful declaration of our collective identity in Christ.
The practice of communion is rooted in the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a meal with His disciples on the night He was betrayed. This meal was more than just a gathering; it was an institution of a new covenant. Jesus broke the bread and shared the wine, symbolizing His body and blood given for the salvation of humanity. In doing so, He invited His followers to participate in this sacred act, to remember His sacrifice, and to proclaim His death until He comes again.
One of the most poignant moments during the Last Supper is the departure of Judas Iscariot. Judas, who had already conspired to betray Jesus, stepped away from the table, signifying his separation from the community of believers. This act holds deep symbolic meaning. While Jesus and the other eleven apostles remained united in the sharing of the meal, Judas’s absence underscored his estrangement from the Lord. He chose to walk away from the fellowship and the covenant, highlighting a crucial truth: those who do not partake in communion, by their own decision, do not belong to the Lord.
Judas’s departure from the table serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of turning away from Jesus. It contrasts starkly with the unity and belonging experienced by those who remain. When we gather for communion, we reaffirm our commitment to Christ and to each other. It is an act of unity that transcends our individual differences, bringing us together as one body in Christ. This shared meal is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet we will one day enjoy in God’s eternal kingdom.
In partaking of communion, we are reminded of Jesus’s words: “This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). And again, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). These words are not just a call to remember but an invitation to participate in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. By eating the bread and drinking the wine, we proclaim the Lord’s death and affirm our hope in His return.
Communion is also a powerful witness to the world. It shows that we are a people set apart, belonging to God. When outsiders see us coming together, sharing the same meal in unity, they witness the love and fellowship that define us as followers of Christ. It is a testimony that, despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, we are united in our faith and our mission.
Lazarevic Ministries 