His Cross Our HopeExemplo

I hesitated as I reached for the wafer. Was my heart pure enough? Had I confessed all my sins? Some congregations make Holy Communion a somber time where one searches their heart and practices confession to be worthy. Yet, taking the cup and bread is meant to be a time of celebration as we think about our redemption. This is an opportunity for rejoicing that Jesus has made us worthy and given us unconditional love and grace. Participating in this sacrament now reminds me how much I’m loved and forgiven.

Jesus was an expert at using word pictures to help us remember important truths. At His last meal with the disciples, also called the Lord’s Supper, He used bread and wine to paint the most beautiful truth of all.

Taking the loaf, He broke it into pieces and said, “Take and eat; this is My body” (Matthew 26:26, NIV). He would suffer terrible abuse and torture within the next 24 hours.

The cup of wine represented His blood which covered His flesh as it poured down the cross onto the ground.

The sin of all humankind had to be paid for, and the only acceptable payment was a perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 9:22 tells us without the shedding of blood there’s no forgiveness. Jesus who lived a perfect life became sin to set us free (2 Cor. 5:21).

Knowing how easily distracted we are and how quickly we forget His sacrifice, Jesus instructed us to regularly observe this ritual in remembrance.

Thank You, Jesus, for dying to pay for our sin!

Do you experience communion as a time of celebration?

How can this sacrament become more meaningful to you?

~Susan Aken

Writer and blogger