Bound by the Bread

In John 13, one of the disciples was growing increasingly frustrated with the revolution Jesus was offering. He expected the Messiah to come into the world, guns blazing, announcing war on the Roman Empire, and leading a raid of bloodshed and vengeance.

As Jesus stood at the table, he quoted David’s psalm: “He who shared my bread has turned against me” (John 13:18).

One of the disciples asked, “Lord, who is it?” (v. 25).

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish” (v. 26).

Jesus handed the dipped bread to Judas. As we consider the symbolism of bread, we recognize this is, in some ways, an invitation Jesus was extending to Judas. If he accepted the bread and ate it, Judas would be declaring that he was bound to his rabbi.

The passage says, “As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out” (v. 30). It was as if he were saying, “Jesus, I’m not bound to you, your ways, or your kingdom anymore.”

In communion, we are choosing to be bound to Jesus. We are, essentially, allowing him to tear off a piece of bread and hand it to us; and, by eating it, we are saying yes to his kingdom ways.

I think for most of us, it’s fairly easy to share meals with one another. It’s not hard to align with others and find peace, even when we don’t all have the same lifestyle or beliefs. However, what about those who have wronged you, gone behind your back, or betrayed you? Even when Jesus knew Judas would likely betray him, he still offered him a chance to be bound again.

I’ve come to realize that I’m responsible only for my heart, my body, my healing, and how I’m inviting God’s love, grace, and truth into my life. In each relationship, I have a choice to make, every day. Will I offer a place at my table? Will I tear off bread and hand it to others? Will I choose to accept the bread that is handed to me? Will you?

Pray with me:

Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting me to your table, to share your bread, drink your cup, and be bound with you as my Savior and Lord. Amen.