Luke 22:14-23 – Communion
The main purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to remind Christians of Christ’s death for sinners. Communion is not a sacrifice – it is a remembrance. The Communion bread is to remind us of Christ’s body given to death on the cross for our sins. The wine is intended to remind us of Christ’s blood shed to pay the price for our sins. The whole service is to keep fresh in our mind the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and the satisfaction which that sacrifice makes for sin. But taking Communion does not save you. The man or woman that comes to the Lord’s table with faith in Christ, may confidently expect to have his faith increased. But he that comes without faith has no right to expect a blessing. Empty he comes and empty he will go away.
Observing the Lord’s Supper is a duty of all Christians. Jesus is not just speaking to the apostles when He tells them to “Do this in remembrance of Me.” This does not mean that everyone baptised in the church is to take Communion. God gives us instructions later through Paul that the one taking Communion must be able to examine himself before they partake. In order to fully examine themselves, they must first be taught things about sin and salvation. It is also the responsibility of the elders to protect the Lord’s Supper from being taken by those who are not believers and to protect unbelievers from bringing more judgement upon themselves. Not everyone who takes Communion is a Christian. Judas took Communion. But those who have repented of their sin and turned in faith to Christ are called upon to remember and rejoice in His death for us.
Questions
- What is the purpose of Communion?
- Who should take Communion?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for Christ’s death for sin.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.