Embracing the Mystery and Grace of Communion

Summary

### Summary

This morning, we gathered to reflect on the profound and multifaceted nature of communion. We began by sharing experiences from our recent camp, where the presence of God was felt in both the serious and the playful moments. This served as a reminder that God is present in all aspects of our lives, not just the solemn ones. We then transitioned into a discussion about the ongoing sermon series on "The Table," focusing on the significance of communion. Various members of the congregation shared their insights, emphasizing themes like inclusivity, celebration, and the historical roots of communion in the Passover feast.

We delved into John 6, where Jesus speaks about being the "bread of life" and the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood to have eternal life. This passage, often misunderstood and even seen as controversial, underscores the mysterious and sacramental nature of communion. We explored the concept of sacraments as "means of grace," a term that originates from the Latin word "sacramentum." This led us to discuss the different ways sacraments are perceived and experienced within the Christian tradition.

Three primary views on sacraments were highlighted: first, that sacraments confer grace through the actions of the priest; second, that they confer grace when received with a faithful heart; and third, that they serve as a witness to grace already received. These perspectives remind us that while the rituals may vary, the underlying mystery and grace of God remain constant.

As we prepared to partake in communion, we were invited to reflect on the sacredness of the elements and the profound mystery they represent. Whether we see communion as symbolic, sacramental, or a combination of both, it is a powerful reminder of God's grace and presence in our lives.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Presence in All Moments: The experiences at camp reminded us that God is present in both the serious and playful moments of our lives. This duality reflects the fullness of God's engagement with us, showing that He is not confined to solemnity but is also found in joy and laughter. [18:01]

2. Inclusivity at the Table: Communion is a celebration of inclusivity, where all are welcome to partake. This mirrors the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, where He invited everyone to the table, breaking down social and cultural barriers. [29:59]

3. Historical Roots and New Covenant: Communion has deep historical roots in the Passover feast, yet it also represents the new covenant established by Jesus. This duality shows how God uses existing traditions to bring about new spiritual realities, blending the old with the new. [31:29]

4. The Mystery of Sacraments: The term "sacrament" means "means of grace," highlighting the mysterious ways in which God imparts grace through rituals like communion and baptism. This mystery invites us to approach these practices with reverence and openness to God's transformative power. [44:13]

5. Different Views on Sacraments: There are various ways to understand how sacraments confer grace: through the actions of the priest, the faith of the recipient, or as a witness to grace already received. These perspectives remind us that God's grace is multifaceted and not confined to a single interpretation. [49:17]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[11:50] - Camp Reflections and Worship
[18:01] - God's Presence in All Moments
[23:24] - Camp Stories and Lessons
[27:42] - Introduction to Communion
[29:59] - Insights from the Congregation
[31:29] - Historical Roots of Communion
[32:33] - Lessons from Camp and Communion
[33:25] - The Last Shall Be First
[37:54] - Sacrament and Mysterion
[39:13] - Understanding John 6
[41:33] - The Mystery of Communion
[44:13] - Sacrament as Means of Grace
[45:36] - Different Views on Sacraments
[47:20] - Historical Perspectives on Sacraments
[49:17] - The Mystery of God's Grace
[50:14] - Invitation to the Table
[01:07:30] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. John 6:48-58 (NIV)
> "I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 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. Luke 22:19-20 (NIV)
> "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"

3. 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."

### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He refers to Himself as the "bread of life" in John 6:48-58?
2. How did the Jews react to Jesus' statement about eating His flesh and drinking His blood? ([40:26])
3. What are the three primary views on how sacraments confer grace as discussed in the sermon? ([48:16])
4. How does the historical context of the Passover feast relate to the practice of communion? ([31:29])

### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of Jesus using bread and wine to symbolize His body and blood in the context of the Last Supper? ([39:13])
2. How do the different views on sacraments (priestly action, faithful reception, witness to grace) affect our understanding of communion? ([48:16])
3. Why might Jesus' words in John 6:48-58 be considered controversial or difficult to understand? ([41:33])
4. How does the concept of sacraments as "means of grace" invite us to approach communion with a sense of mystery and reverence? ([44:13])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in both serious and playful moments. How did these experiences shape your understanding of God's engagement in your life? ([18:01])
2. Communion is described as a celebration of inclusivity. How can you make your own table more inclusive in your daily life, mirroring Jesus' ministry? ([29:59])
3. Considering the historical roots of communion in the Passover feast, how can you honor both the old traditions and the new covenant in your spiritual practices? ([31:29])
4. The sermon highlighted the mysterious nature of sacraments. How can you cultivate a sense of reverence and openness to God's transformative power in your participation in communion? ([44:13])
5. Reflect on the different views of how sacraments confer grace. Which view resonates most with you, and how does it influence your approach to communion? ([48:16])
6. How can you prepare your heart to receive communion with faith, ensuring that it is not just a ritual but a meaningful encounter with God's grace? ([50:14])
7. Think about the inclusivity at the table of communion. How can you extend this inclusivity to your interactions within the church and your community? ([29:59])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Presence in All Moments
Description:
The experiences shared from the recent camp highlighted a profound truth: God is present in every moment of our lives, whether serious or playful. This duality reflects the fullness of God's engagement with us, showing that He is not confined to solemnity but is also found in joy and laughter. The camp experiences served as a reminder that God's presence is not limited to the church or moments of prayer but extends to every aspect of our daily lives.

Understanding that God is with us in both the highs and lows can transform our perspective on life. It encourages us to seek His presence in the mundane and the extraordinary, in moments of joy and sorrow. This awareness can deepen our relationship with God, making us more attuned to His guidance and comfort in every situation. [18:01]

Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV):
"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."

Reflection:
Think of a recent moment of joy or laughter in your life. How can you recognize and celebrate God's presence in that moment today?

Day 2: Inclusivity at the Table
Description:
Communion is a powerful symbol of inclusivity, reflecting the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry. Jesus invited everyone to the table, breaking down social and cultural barriers. This act of inclusivity is a reminder that in God's kingdom, all are welcome, regardless of their background, status, or past. The table of communion is a place where we can experience the unity and love that Jesus exemplified.

This inclusivity challenges us to examine our own attitudes and behaviors towards others. Are we creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued? Are we breaking down barriers that divide us? By embracing the inclusivity of communion, we can become more like Jesus, extending His love and grace to all people. [29:59]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV):
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection:
Think of someone who might feel excluded or marginalized in your community. How can you extend an invitation to them and make them feel included today?

Day 3: Historical Roots and New Covenant
Description:
Communion has deep historical roots in the Passover feast, yet it also represents the new covenant established by Jesus. This duality shows how God uses existing traditions to bring about new spiritual realities, blending the old with the new. The Passover was a celebration of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and Jesus used this context to introduce the new covenant of His body and blood, signifying deliverance from sin.

Understanding the historical roots of communion enriches our appreciation of its significance. It reminds us that God's plan of salvation has been unfolding throughout history, and communion is a continuation of that story. By partaking in communion, we are participating in a tradition that connects us to the past while also embracing the new life and freedom that Jesus offers. [31:29]

Jeremiah 31:31-33 (ESV):
"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Reflection:
Reflect on a tradition or practice in your life that has deep historical roots. How can you see God's hand in both its history and its present significance?

Day 4: The Mystery of Sacraments
Description:
The term "sacrament" means "means of grace," highlighting the mysterious ways in which God imparts grace through rituals like communion and baptism. This mystery invites us to approach these practices with reverence and openness to God's transformative power. Sacraments are not just symbolic acts; they are profound encounters with God's grace that can change us in ways we may not fully understand.

Approaching sacraments with a sense of mystery and reverence can deepen our spiritual experience. It encourages us to be open to the ways God might work in our lives through these practices. Whether we fully understand the mechanics of how grace is imparted, we can trust that God is at work, using these sacred moments to draw us closer to Him. [44:13]

Colossians 1:26-27 (ESV):
"The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Reflection:
Think about a recent experience with a sacrament (communion, baptism, etc.). How did you sense God's presence and grace in that moment?

Day 5: Different Views on Sacraments
Description:
There are various ways to understand how sacraments confer grace: through the actions of the priest, the faith of the recipient, or as a witness to grace already received. These perspectives remind us that God's grace is multifaceted and not confined to a single interpretation. Each view offers a unique insight into the mystery of how God works through sacraments to impart His grace.

Recognizing the diversity of perspectives on sacraments can enrich our own understanding and practice. It encourages us to be open to different ways of experiencing God's grace and to appreciate the depth and complexity of these sacred rituals. By exploring these different views, we can gain a fuller appreciation of the ways God meets us in the sacraments and transforms our lives. [49:17]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV):
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection:
Consider your own view of sacraments. How has your understanding of how they confer grace evolved over time, and how might you be open to new insights?

Quotes

1. "One of the things that really kind of stood out to me this last week at camp was, so Lighthouse was something that we sang at the fire time a time or two, but it was right after Andrew McCune kind of helped lead the banana song, and then just this really crazy nonsense songs, and then all of a sudden on a dime, they're all just getting crazy and jumping, and all of a sudden they're singing Heart of Worship, and they're crying and holding and swaying back and forth. The spirit was just really incredible, and it was just a reminder to me that God is not always in the serious parts, but he's also present in some of the goofy, and even when people get thrown into lakes, he's in that." [18:01] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "It's a reminder of the promise. It's a reminder of the Passover and the history. But it doesn't replace that. And there's something that N.T. Wright shared that really stuck with me. He said, He said God's new covenant came out of and within the old covenant and the old traditions. And so that God uses what already is to bring about new things." [31:29] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And to see, like, oh, and I remember as a kid, too, like, oh, I'm going to be last so I can be first. And that's kind of what happened, too. Like, they all tried to go on strike and they all tried to have the worst cabin so that they could have the best one. And that's missing the message that Jesus said. Jesus was, you know, preaching. And so that was something that has stuck out to me for sure during this series on that, like, just throwing the metrics out all together. It's like this. It's a system that, you know, humans put in play. And Jesus is, like, at the table. It's not. There's not a system. It's not this hierarchy of first and last." [33:25] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So John chapter six, beginning in verse 48, Jesus says, I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But there is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves. How can this man give us flesh to eat? 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." [40:26] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So two words kind of for today. Two words that I want. I want you to go away with, um, is sacrament, which comes from the Latin, the means of grace. And the other word is mysterion, I think, or, uh, that's the Greek word. Um, and that's sacrament isn't really in scripture, um, or in the Bible, but it, it comes in the first few centuries. I took, you know, more Greek than I do. I've never taken any Greek class. I don't even know the Greek alphabet. All right. Here's slight tangent here. Um, biblical language. I had a theology professor. I think I've shared this with you before, but he said, if it's kind of ambiguous in the English, it's ambiguous in the Greek too. And that's something we just assume and like, oh, if we go back to the original language, we can get the true meaning like, man, then you have words like Sigma and Ohio, you know, in like 500 years is they're thinking, oh, like, like Ohio was a state. No, Ohio is like being a state that is long past. You can't, there's a mystery there." [45:36] (87 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "But, um, but to be able to see historically on how this has all kind of come to fruition and these rituals that take place, that God somehow gives us this, this means of grace. Um, and so in sacrament, there's three ways. Um, there's three ways that I have written down that God works through this. The first one is that like sacraments confer grace. like ex opera operetto. That's what you said. Like I'm using Latin words and it would be boring. I don't even know what those words mean. But it's from the, the words are from the work, worked. So that, so in communion, you mentioned like the priest blesses it and then God's grace is present. So this first one is that there's power somehow in the priests. Priests, I mean, obviously not in our church because, you know, if it were up to us to somehow give God's grace on the, on the communion, people might be in trouble. So there's power in the priest and everything's prepared perfectly. And that's where God's grace comes in. The second one is then sacraments confer grace, but only when received. So you have to come with a faithful heart to receive it. So like the, it's on you all as you come to the table. It's less on the priest and more on you receiving in faith. And then the third one is that sacraments are a witness to a grace already received. And so those three ways, when you think about the sacraments, when you think about baptism or communion, the things, these are the things that everybody, that all the churches agree on is like, hey, yeah, there is a mystery. There's a mystery of God's grace that, you know, God commanded these two things." [49:17] (115 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "And so we do them first off because he commanded them. But then second, because there's something there for us. There's this mystery of receiving God's grace through that. But I, I continue to wrestle a little bit with, you know, with that. Is it just symbolic? You know, there's at camp this week, I, you know, like we talked about using goldfish and Mountain Dew, you know, as communion. And so like that, that is symbolic. But if we, David, if we only do that, is there power in the preparation of it? You know, like in realizing that it is sacred, it's not just merely symbolic. And is there then, you know, work on our part? Does God's grace, is it present only when we come with a faithful heart ready to receive it? And I go kind of back and forth and all of that. And at the end of the day, I appreciate all the traditions." [50:14] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And how, you know, we, we view and we experience sacrament. Because I do think God is not bound by a box, but that God does kind of work in and through. And God's grace somehow is present in all three of those ways. We've gathered together. We've heard the word. Now we come to the table. Anytime during the next two songs, you're invited to come to receive the elements, the bread and the juice. Invited to come to bring offerings forward. We have offering boxes at the front and the back for any tithes or offerings. Invited to come to pray at the altar. We have candles in the back that you can light as a prayer also. Feel free to stand, to sit, to kneel, to sing, to be quiet. This is a time to respond to God's word. So we come to the table this morning." [50:14] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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