Embracing Communion: A Call to Sacrificial Love
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound significance of communion, or the Eucharist, as depicted in the Gospel of John. We began by reflecting on the radical giving exemplified by Jesus, who gave His body and blood for us. This act of giving is not just a historical event but a call for us to live lives of sacrificial love and generosity. We delved into the unique aspects of John's Gospel, which emphasizes Jesus' identity and mission through His encounters and discourses. Unlike the synoptic Gospels, John links the Eucharist not directly to Jesus' death but to His life, portraying Jesus as the new manna from heaven, offering eternal life.
We discussed the challenging teachings of Jesus about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, which caused many disciples to leave. This teaching underscores the importance of understanding the incarnation—Jesus as both flesh and spirit. John’s Gospel invites us to see Jesus as the ultimate means of accessing God, emphasizing the interconnectedness of flesh and spirit. This understanding calls us to live deeply, appreciating our dependence on God and our interconnectedness with creation and each other.
We also touched on the Wesleyan tradition, which views communion as a means of grace, essential for spiritual growth and community. John Wesley emphasized frequent communion as a way to receive God's grace, forgiveness, and strength. This practice binds us to God and each other in mutual love, justice, and accountability. Wesley believed that participating in communion is a duty for every Christian, as it is a command from Jesus to remember His sacrifice.
Finally, we reflected on the communal and relational aspects of worship, particularly the physical presence required for true participation in the Eucharist. The act of gathering together, sharing the bread and wine, and experiencing the liturgy in community is vital for spiritual nourishment and growth. This communal experience connects us not only with our local congregation but with the global body of Christ, joining in a heavenly banquet that feeds our souls and strengthens our relationship with Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Radical Giving and Sacrificial Love: Jesus' act of giving His body and blood is a call for us to live lives of sacrificial love and generosity. This radical giving challenges us to break free from our habits of caution and to grow deeper in love by giving ourselves away, even in small ways, until our lives are spent in giving. [09:32]
2. Understanding the Incarnation: The teaching about eating Jesus' flesh and drinking His blood highlights the importance of understanding the incarnation. Jesus is both flesh and spirit, and this union is crucial for our salvation. We are called to live deeply, appreciating our interconnectedness with God, creation, and each other. [26:41]
3. The Eucharist as a Means of Grace: In the Wesleyan tradition, communion is seen as a means of grace that conveys forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing. Participating in the Eucharist strengthens our souls, helps us to leave our sins, and leads us to spiritual perfection. [35:44]
4. The Duty of Frequent Communion: John Wesley emphasized the importance of frequent communion as a way to obey Jesus' command and to receive God's grace. This practice is a declaration of loyalty to God and binds us in a relationship of mutual love, justice, and accountability. [33:54]
5. The Importance of Physical Presence in Worship: True participation in the Eucharist requires physical presence, where we can gather, share the bread and wine, and experience the liturgy together. This communal act connects us with the global body of Christ and nourishes our souls, strengthening our relationship with Jesus. [38:31]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Opening Prayer
[09:32] - Radical Giving and Sacrificial Love
[17:03] - Jesus' Identity and Mission
[19:46] - The Challenge of Jesus' Teachings
[22:09] - Signs and Interpretation in John's Gospel
[23:17] - The Eucharist in John's Gospel
[24:38] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
[26:41] - Understanding Flesh and Spirit
[28:53] - The Relationship Between Jesus and God
[31:32] - Wesleyan Tradition and Communion
[33:54] - The Duty of Frequent Communion
[35:44] - Communion as a Means of Grace
[38:31] - The Importance of Physical Presence in Worship
[41:15] - Conclusion and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 6:53-56 (NIV)
> Jesus said to them, "Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them."
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV)
> For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
3. Exodus 16:4 (NIV)
> Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them"? (John 6:56)
2. How does the practice of communion in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 serve as a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice?
3. In what way does the manna provided in Exodus 16:4 prefigure Jesus as the "bread of life" in John 6?
4. According to the sermon, why did many disciples find Jesus' teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood difficult to accept? [19:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "radical giving" as exemplified by Jesus challenge our everyday habits and attitudes towards generosity? [09:32]
2. What is the significance of understanding Jesus as both flesh and spirit in the context of the incarnation? How does this affect our view of salvation? [26:41]
3. How does the Wesleyan tradition view communion as a means of grace, and why is frequent participation emphasized? [33:54]
4. What role does physical presence play in the communal and relational aspects of worship, particularly in the Eucharist? [38:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to give sacrificially. How did that experience change your perspective on generosity and love? [09:32]
2. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of flesh and spirit in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to live more deeply in this understanding? [26:41]
3. In what ways can you make communion a more meaningful and frequent practice in your spiritual life? How can this practice help you grow in grace and spiritual strength? [35:44]
4. How can you ensure that your participation in worship is not just a personal devotion but a communal experience that connects you with the global body of Christ? [38:31]
5. Think about the last time you participated in communion. How did it impact your relationship with Jesus and your sense of community with other believers? [41:15]
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to see the importance of frequent communion and physical presence in worship? [33:54]
7. Identify one way you can practice "radical giving" this week. What small act of generosity can you perform to start living out this call to sacrificial love? [09:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Radical Giving and Sacrificial Love
Jesus' act of giving His body and blood is a call for us to live lives of sacrificial love and generosity. This radical giving challenges us to break free from our habits of caution and to grow deeper in love by giving ourselves away, even in small ways, until our lives are spent in giving. Jesus' ultimate sacrifice is not just a historical event but a living example for us to emulate in our daily lives. We are called to reflect this radical generosity in our relationships, our communities, and our interactions with the world.
In a world that often prioritizes self-preservation and personal gain, Jesus' example stands in stark contrast. His life and death teach us that true fulfillment and joy come from giving ourselves away for the sake of others. This kind of sacrificial love requires us to step out of our comfort zones and to trust in God's provision and grace. As we practice this radical giving, we become more like Christ and draw closer to Him. [09:32]
Luke 6:38 (ESV): "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
Reflection: Think of one small way you can practice sacrificial love today. How can you give of yourself to someone in need, even if it requires stepping out of your comfort zone?
Day 2: Understanding the Incarnation
The teaching about eating Jesus' flesh and drinking His blood highlights the importance of understanding the incarnation. Jesus is both flesh and spirit, and this union is crucial for our salvation. We are called to live deeply, appreciating our interconnectedness with God, creation, and each other. The incarnation is a mystery that invites us to see the divine in the ordinary and to recognize the sacredness of our own lives and the world around us.
By understanding the incarnation, we come to see that Jesus' presence is not limited to spiritual experiences but is also found in the physical and tangible aspects of life. This understanding calls us to honor our bodies, care for creation, and build meaningful relationships with others. It challenges us to live with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the gift of life and the presence of God in all things. [26:41]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: How can you honor the presence of God in your daily life? Think of one way you can appreciate the interconnectedness of flesh and spirit today.
Day 3: The Eucharist as a Means of Grace
In the Wesleyan tradition, communion is seen as a means of grace that conveys forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing. Participating in the Eucharist strengthens our souls, helps us to leave our sins, and leads us to spiritual perfection. The Eucharist is not just a ritual but a powerful encounter with God's grace that transforms us from within. It is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and a means through which we receive His love and mercy.
As we partake in the Eucharist, we are invited to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and receive God's forgiveness. This sacrament is a source of spiritual nourishment that empowers us to live out our faith with greater devotion and integrity. It is a means of grace that sustains us on our journey towards holiness and draws us closer to God and each other. [35:44]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: Reflect on your experience of communion. How has it been a means of grace in your life? What steps can you take to approach the Eucharist with a deeper sense of reverence and gratitude?
Day 4: The Duty of Frequent Communion
John Wesley emphasized the importance of frequent communion as a way to obey Jesus' command and to receive God's grace. This practice is a declaration of loyalty to God and binds us in a relationship of mutual love, justice, and accountability. Frequent communion is not just a religious duty but a vital practice that keeps us connected to the source of our faith and strengthens our commitment to live according to God's will.
By participating in communion regularly, we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and our call to follow Him. It is an opportunity to renew our faith, receive God's grace, and be empowered to live out our Christian values in our daily lives. Wesley believed that frequent communion was essential for spiritual growth and encouraged believers to partake in it as often as possible. [33:54]
Acts 2:42 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Reflection: How often do you participate in communion? What steps can you take to make it a more regular and meaningful part of your spiritual practice?
Day 5: The Importance of Physical Presence in Worship
True participation in the Eucharist requires physical presence, where we can gather, share the bread and wine, and experience the liturgy together. This communal act connects us with the global body of Christ and nourishes our souls, strengthening our relationship with Jesus. The physical presence in worship is essential for experiencing the fullness of the Eucharist and for building a sense of community and belonging within the church.
Gathering together for worship allows us to support and encourage one another in our faith journey. It is a time to come together as the body of Christ, to share in the sacraments, and to experience the presence of God in a tangible way. The physical act of sharing the bread and wine reminds us of our unity in Christ and our call to live in love and harmony with one another. [38:31]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you prioritize physical presence in worship? Think of one way you can be more intentional about gathering with your church community for communion and fellowship.
Quotes
1. "And John's signs are preliminary the source of the revelation about the truth of who Jesus really was. But seeing the signs by themselves are really not merely enough. The signs reveal an order for them, but to be effective and transformative, you need to see the process of salvation. And for that to happen, the signs needed to be interpreted. And that's where the dialogue and discourse section serves to show you how Jesus is both the sign and the interpreter." [22:09] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The mystery of the incarnation is seen through the metaphor of eating and drinking the communion view of the Eucharist. Of not only the incarcerated, but Jesus who of what it means to be human in an Gottesbond these words were好不好 language of flesh and blood just emphasizes the embodiment of flesh and spirit. enviagment in confession belonging together according to God's intended plan for creation, and only their union of this true eternal life, Jesus is crucial to the rest of humanity." [24:38] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Keeping the flesh together with the spirit requires us to live deeply and appreciating our interests, our dependence and interconnectedness with the Creator. Decreation in our fellow people, inviting us to eat and drink of this whole person, Jesus, challenges us to the rest of incarnation becoming whole with both flesh and spirit, as the means of our salvation. The text provides us with the means of seeing the faithful live a spiritual practice of incarnation abiding." [26:41] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And just as Jesus is incarnation of God, so we as believers are invited to be a part of the divine body to be the incarnation of Christ. And the word, and then perhaps just perhaps there's a chance that we are reading the language of Jesus regarding abiding in me to choose by the gift of faith. Given by God. To accept God's call to become a part of the divine life as it is internal fullness of both body. And. spirit." [28:53] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So see, according to Wesley, we are duty bound to obey Jesus. He believed that when Jesus said, if you love me, you will. And in the baptism commandment, it is our declaration of loyalty to be the true, to the true God that it binds us to God and to one another in relationship of mutual love, justice, and accountability. All of which we assume loving obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ." [33:54] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Christian traditions teaching that the Lord's supper or communion is paramount meanings of grace. The sharing of the bread and wine that represent the body and the blood of our Savior conveys forgiveness of sins, reconciliation, and healing. That is tangible. Wesley even puts it in this way. The grace of God given here and confirmed. Confirms to us the pardon of our sins by enabling us to leave them as our bodies are strengthened by bread and wine. And so our souls by these tokens of the body and the blood of Christ." [35:44] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The Wesleyan way requires us to work with one another in settings where we can see, hear, smell, touch, embrace. You see, I understand that we have people that may have to observe and listen to worship of our congregation on the computer or television because of reasons by medical or other situations, but they can't participate in the liturgical. They are physically separated from their brothers and sisters in Christ. They can certainly experience a blessing of comfort through listening to songs, scriptures, prayers. And even the word." [38:31] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And then I came to this understanding that we are a connectional church. And we join with many other churches around not only our communities, our state, our nation, but our world to feast at a heavenly banquet. Feasting, joining together with our brothers and sisters in communion with the heavenly banquet here on earth. And it just became a spiritual, spiritual embrace. See, it feeds your soul. It feeds the relationship between you and Jesus." [41:15] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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