Communion: A Celebration of Restoration and Unity

Devotional

Day 1: Communion as Remembrance of Jesus’ Sacrifice

When we participate in communion, we are not simply recalling a historical figure or a set of good teachings; we are remembering the living God who gave His body and blood for us. This act is a declaration that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are the foundation of our faith, and that He alone has the power over life and death. As we take the bread and the cup, we are invited to reflect on the reality that Jesus is the only one who predicted and accomplished His resurrection, proving His divinity and His victory for us. [03:49]

Matthew 26:26-29 (ESV)
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Reflection: As you take communion today, what specific aspect of Jesus’ sacrifice do you most need to remember and let shape your heart—His suffering, His victory, or His promise to be with you?

Day 2: The New Covenant—A Repaired Relationship with God

The Lord’s table is not just a ritual; it is a celebration of a supernatural repair that God Himself accomplished. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the barrier between God and humanity has been removed, and we are now welcomed as friends of God. This relationship is not based on our efforts or goodness, but solely on what Jesus has done. The bread and the cup are tangible reminders that our friendship with God is secure, complete, and freely given by grace. [05:48]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Reflection: In what ways do you struggle to believe that your relationship with God is fully repaired and secure because of Jesus? How can you approach Him with confidence today?

Day 3: The Lord’s Table—An Invitation to Intimacy and Community

God invites us to His table, a place of intimacy, acceptance, and belonging. This invitation is deeply personal, as the Father welcomes us to a meal He has prepared at great cost—His own sacrifice. As we gather, we are not only reminded of our restored relationship with God, but also of the unity we share with one another. The act of passing the cup and breaking bread together is a powerful picture of community, connection, and the healing that Jesus brings to our relationships. [08:48]

Luke 22:19-20 (ESV)
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Reflection: Who in your life do you need to invite to the table—whether literally or figuratively—to experience deeper connection and reconciliation through Christ?

Day 4: Communion as a Declaration of Complete Forgiveness

When we take the cup, we are declaring the total and complete forgiveness of our sins—past, present, and future—because of Jesus’ finished work. This forgiveness is not partial or conditional; it is absolute and liberating. In Christ, you are free from guilt and shame, and you are empowered to walk in newness of life. This freedom is meant to breathe life into your relationships, your family, and your future, as you live out the reality of being fully forgiven and deeply loved. [18:31]

Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV)
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Reflection: Is there a sin or regret you still carry that Jesus has already forgiven? What would it look like to truly live in the freedom of His complete forgiveness today?

Day 5: Communion as the Source of Unity and Healing

The death and resurrection of Jesus not only repair our relationship with God, but also have the power to heal and restore our relationships with one another. In a world marked by division and brokenness, the table of the Lord is a place where all are precious and welcome—regardless of background, race, or status. As we find common ground in Jesus, we can believe for miracles of reconciliation and unity in our families, friendships, and communities, trusting that Jesus is the restorer and healer of all. [09:54]

Ephesians 2:13-16 (ESV)
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that needs healing or reconciliation? How can you take a step toward unity, trusting Jesus to be the restorer?

Sermon Summary

In Matthew 26, Jesus gathers with his disciples for what we now call the Last Supper, instituting a meal that would become the most significant act of worship for believers: communion. In this moment, Jesus takes ordinary bread and wine and gives them extraordinary meaning, declaring that they represent his body and blood, given for the complete forgiveness of sins. This is not just a remembrance of a good man or a wise teacher, but a declaration that Jesus is God in the flesh, the only one who predicted his death and resurrection and fulfilled it, proving his authority over life and death.

Communion is a celebration of a repaired relationship between God and humanity. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the divide caused by sin is bridged—not by our own efforts, but by his finished work. The bread and the cup are not just symbols of a historical event, but a present reality: we are invited to God’s table, welcomed into intimate fellowship with our Creator. This invitation is deeply personal and communal, reminding us that as our relationship with God is restored, so too can our relationships with one another be healed.

The act of sharing the table is a picture of unity and reconciliation, not only between God and individuals, but among people themselves. In a world fractured by division, the cross of Jesus offers common ground for all—regardless of background, race, or history. The power of Jesus’ blood is not only to forgive, but to bring about miracles of restoration in families, friendships, and communities.

As we partake in communion, we declare the total victory of Jesus over sin, death, and every form of brokenness. This is a moment to receive afresh the freedom and forgiveness he offers, and to believe for healing in our relationships. No matter where we are in the world, God’s presence is with us, assuring us of his love and his purpose at work in our lives. The invitation to the Lord’s table is an invitation to experience the wonder, the miracle, and the joy of being fully known, fully forgiven, and fully loved by Jesus.

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Key Takeaways

1. Communion is More Than Remembrance—It’s Participation in a Living Covenant When we take the bread and the cup, we are not merely recalling a historical event or honoring a moral teacher. We are entering into the living reality of a covenant that Jesus established—a relationship repaired by his sacrifice, not by our merit. This act is a declaration that Jesus is alive, present, and still inviting us to his table today. [02:00]
2. Jesus Alone Bridges the Divide Between God and Humanity The uniqueness of Jesus lies in his claim and demonstration of divinity—he predicted his death and resurrection, and fulfilled it, proving his authority over life and death. No other faith is built on a leader who conquered death to restore relationship with God. Our confidence and worship are rooted in this singular, unrepeatable act of love and power. [03:49]
3. The Table of the Lord is an Invitation to Intimacy and Belonging God’s invitation to his table is deeply personal. It’s not just a ritual, but a moment of being welcomed by the Father into his presence, to receive what he has prepared through his own sacrifice. This intimacy is the foundation of our identity and security as beloved children of God. [08:48]
4. Communion Calls Us to Reconciliation with One Another As the disciples shared the cup, they were not only celebrating restored relationship with God, but also with each other. The cross of Jesus is the ultimate level ground, calling us to pursue healing and unity across every divide—racial, relational, or otherwise. The miracle of reconciliation is possible as we find common ground in Christ’s finished work. [09:54]
5. The Victory of Jesus Brings Freedom and Hope for Every Situation In a world filled with pain, uncertainty, and brokenness, the victory of Jesus is our unshakeable foundation. His forgiveness is total—past, present, and future—and his presence is with us wherever we are. As we receive communion, we can believe for miracles of restoration in our lives and relationships, trusting that God is working all things for good. [18:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Reading Matthew 26: The Last Supper
[02:00] - The Meaning of Communion
[03:49] - Jesus’ Unique Claim and Resurrection
[05:48] - The Repaired Relationship with God
[07:34] - The Bread and the Cup: Remembering the Sacrifice
[08:48] - The Invitation to the Lord’s Table
[09:54] - Communion and Reconciliation Among People
[11:30] - The Power of the Elements to Heal
[13:45] - Declaring the Victory of Jesus
[15:20] - Freedom and Forgiveness Through Christ
[18:31] - Believing for Miracles in Relationships
[20:00] - Worship and Reflection
[22:15] - Jesus’ Presence Across the World
[24:11] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 26:26-29 — > While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 26, what did Jesus say the bread and the cup represent?
In the sermon, what does Jesus’ invitation to the table symbolize for us today? [08:48]
What does the sermon say is unique about Jesus compared to any other religious leader? [03:49]
How does the act of sharing the cup among the disciples serve as a picture of community and reconciliation? [09:54]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus choose ordinary bread and wine to represent something so extraordinary? What does this say about how God uses the ordinary in our lives? [02:00]
The sermon says that communion is not just a remembrance but participation in a living covenant. What does it mean to “participate” in this covenant today? [02:00]
The sermon highlights that Jesus alone bridges the divide between God and humanity. How does this truth affect the way believers approach God? [05:48]
The act of communion is described as both personal and communal. Why is it important that our relationship with God also leads to reconciliation with others? [09:54]

Application Questions

When you take communion, do you tend to see it as just a ritual, or as a real invitation to intimacy with God? What could help you experience it more personally? [08:48]
The sermon says Jesus’ sacrifice repairs our relationship with God, not our own efforts. Are there ways you still try to “earn” God’s acceptance? How can you rest in what Jesus has already done? [05:48]
Think of a relationship in your life that feels broken or strained. How might the message of reconciliation at the Lord’s table encourage you to take a step toward healing? [09:54]
The cross is described as “level ground” for all people, regardless of background or history. Are there people or groups you find it hard to see as equals at God’s table? What would it look like to pursue unity with them? [09:54]
The sermon invites us to believe for miracles of restoration in our families and friendships. Is there a specific relationship where you need to trust God for a miracle? What is one practical step you could take this week? [18:31]
Jesus’ victory means total forgiveness—past, present, and future. Is there a past mistake or sin you struggle to believe is truly forgiven? How can you remind yourself of Jesus’ finished work? [18:31]
The presence of God is with us wherever we are. How can you become more aware of God’s presence in your daily routine, not just during church or communion? [24:11]

Sermon Clips

It is here we have the institution of the single most important meal that mankind can ever participate in. We call it communion. Jesus said, take the bread, take the cup. And when you do this, one translation says, as often as you do this, do it in remembrance of me. [00:02:00]

Are we simply remembering an old historical figure who died some 2,000 years ago and his teachings were so good we're still thinking about him today? No, no. No, we are commemorating a supernatural repair accomplished only by God. Man now can have a repaired friendship and relationship with his and her creator. [00:06:29]

He claimed to be God. He claimed to be living, physical, visible God in the flesh. Let that sink in. So as he institutes this meal, he says what this meal is going to commemorate is not just my life and the way that I lived it, but my death, my burial, and ultimately my resurrection. [00:02:44]

Today my allegiance belongs to Jesus. Today my worship goes alone to him alone, Jesus. Why? Well, simply put, Jesus is the only human in history who predicted his death, even his type of burial, and the fact that in three days later, he would resurrect to prove to everyone for all time, he has the power over life and death itself. [00:03:14]

We are remembering that there is only one. Only one. Only one faith, only one religion, only one dogma, only one doctrine in the world that is predicated on and built on a leader who, yes, he died, but he rose again on the third day just like he said he would to prove that he alone, no one is close. He has no peers. He alone is God. He's the Savior. He's the superhero. [00:03:55]

He says we are going to recall and remember that this relationship or agreement between God and man has been repaired. How was it repaired? God put on skin and bone. He became our error, our wrong, and our sin. [00:04:53]

For every evil, wicked, selfish, manipulative, hatred, hateful thing, you and I or any man or woman, boy or girl, would ever commit, Jesus became all of it. He took upon himself the justice of God. He took upon himself the judgment of God. God is just and he is perfect, and sin, error, selfishness, hate, wrong, must be judged. There must be justice. Jesus accomplished that for mankind once and for all, so that now the divide between God and man can be repaired, and the relationship is restored, not because of what man has done or could ever do, but because of what Jesus has done. [00:05:12]

Now we can know God. Now we're friends of God. Now the relationship has been once and for all repaired. [00:06:06]

We are going to declare, the scripture says, the total and complete victory of Jesus over death itself, over sin itself, over pain itself. Jesus is the victor. Jesus is the champion. Jesus is all powerful. Jesus is our superhero. Jesus is our savior. And so today, the joy of the Lord can be our strength. [00:07:04]

Though pain surrounds us and problems surround us and upheaval surrounds us and uncertainty surrounds us, there is one thing that is certain in this universe and that there is a God who loves us so much that He gave Himself to repair our relationship and friendship with Him. [00:07:34]

We're going to eat the bread as a representation of the body that was brutalized, disfigured, pierced, beaten, and hung on a tree. For six hours, Jesus hemorrhaged in pain and agony, but He did it for you and for me. And then we will drink of the cup, the cup representing His sinless, perfect blood that was spilled so that we could be accepted before God. [00:07:53]

It's a special thing when you get invited by loved ones or friends or new friends to a table and it's their table. It's a meal that they have prepared and they welcome you. It's a very intimate thing. And here the father says, I want you to come to my table. For here I've prepared a meal and the meal is my own sacrifice. [00:08:58]

The Bible says that, that the, the disciples passed the cup around the table. And I want you to see that picture of community. I want you to see that picture of connection. That is each one drank of the wine they were making, declaring that the relationship had been repaired, not only between them and God because of Jesus, but a relationship was being repaired...with each other. [00:09:24]

The relationship between men and women, women and women, men and men in this country and around the world, how desperately it needs to be repaired. Red, yellow, black, brown, and white. We are all precious in his sight. [00:09:57]

As we continue this historic act of worship that I believe can change your family, can change your soul, can change your mind, can change your future. [00:17:58]

We're going to remember the most powerful agent in the universe. And that is...the person of Jesus and the blood of Jesus, which commemorates, as Jesus said, this repaired relationship. We've been repaired in our relationship with God, which is amazing. And that repaired relationship now can lead us, as Chelsea so clearly put, to more repaired relationships one with another. [00:18:26]

So we take this cup, we're going to declare again, the complete forgiveness of your sins, my sins, totally and completely forgiven. Your past sins, your present sins, and all of your future sins are completely finished and forgiven. By definition, you're free. You're free because of the gift of Jesus. [00:18:55]

No matter all of the calamity that surrounds us in the world, there is one champion. There is one savior. There is one healer. There is one restorer. And his name is Jesus. [00:19:58]

I believe in a real, big, awesome Jesus who is not only in this studio, but He's in your apartment. He's in your room. He's in your condo. He's in your home. He's with you and your loved ones, you and your friend, or you and your roommate. [00:21:59]

You are in fact exceedingly Abundantly Above all we can ask, think, or even imagine You Are the prize of the whole earth You're the point of the universe You're the purpose of life You are the most powerful person Ever You're the most powerful man You're the most powerful man [00:23:40]

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