The Meaning and Unity of Communion: A Reflection

Devotional

Day 1: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice—The Heart of Communion

Communion is a sacred time to look back and remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us, reflecting deeply on the forgiveness and restoration we have received through His death. As you take the bread and the cup, let it be more than a ritual—let it be a moment to recall the blessings of sins forgiven, the grace poured out, and the relationship with God that has been restored through Christ’s perfect offering. This remembrance is not just a historical reflection but a personal encounter with the love and mercy of God, who sees you as pure and spotless because of Jesus. [40:58]

Matthew 26:26-28 (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.”

Reflection: As you prepare for communion, what specific aspect of Christ’s sacrifice do you most need to remember and thank Him for today?

Day 2: Looking Ahead—Hope in Christ’s Return

Communion is not only about remembering the past but also about looking forward with hope to the future, anticipating the day when we will share this meal anew with Jesus in His Father’s kingdom. This forward-looking perspective fills our hearts with expectation and joy, reminding us that Christ’s death was not the end but the beginning of eternal life and fellowship with Him. As you take communion, let your heart be stirred by the promise that one day you will celebrate with the Lord in His presence, rejoicing in the victory He has won. [41:44]

Matthew 26:29 (ESV)
“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: How does the promise of sharing communion with Jesus in His kingdom shape your perspective on your current struggles and hopes?

Day 3: Examining Ourselves—Approaching the Table with Reverence

Before coming to the Lord’s table, we are called to look within, examining our hearts and attitudes to ensure we approach communion in a worthy manner—humbly, repentantly, and with gratitude for the grace we have received. This self-examination is not about being perfect in ourselves, but about coming honestly before God, confessing our sins, and acknowledging that it was our sin that held Christ to the cross. Let this be a time to seek forgiveness, to realign your heart with God’s will, and to approach the table with reverence and sincerity. [41:59]

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (ESV)
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

Reflection: What is one attitude or sin you need to confess to God before taking communion, so you can approach the table with a humble and grateful heart?

Day 4: Unity in the Body—Loving One Another as Christ Loved Us

Communion is a powerful symbol of the unity we share as believers, reminding us that we are one body with many parts, called to love, serve, and forgive one another just as Christ has loved us. As you look around at your fellow believers, let your heart be filled with love and a desire for unity, setting aside differences and seeking reconciliation where needed. The act of taking the cup together is a declaration that we belong to one another in Christ, and that our unity is essential for our witness and service in the world. [43:24]

1 Corinthians 10:17 (ESV)
Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

Reflection: Is there someone in your church family with whom you need to seek reconciliation or deeper unity before you next take communion? What step can you take today?

Day 5: Devotion and Preparation—Making Communion Central in Our Lives

The early church devoted themselves to the breaking of bread, making communion a central and cherished part of their worship and daily lives. Rather than treating it as a routine or an afterthought, we are invited to prepare our hearts and minds, giving communion the priority and reverence it deserves. This means coming to the table with anticipation, gratitude, and a readiness to encounter God’s grace afresh, allowing the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice to shape our worship and our daily walk. [19:22]

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 can you intentionally prepare your heart and schedule to make communion a more central and meaningful part of your worship each week?

Sermon Summary

Communion stands at the very heart of Christian worship, not as a mere ritual, but as a profound act of remembrance, unity, and obedience. Gathering around the Lord’s table, we are invited to reflect deeply on the sacrifice of Jesus, the perfect Lamb, whose death and resurrection have secured for us a new covenant and restored our relationship with God. This is not just a historical commemoration, but a living, ongoing participation in the grace that Christ has poured out for us. The early church understood this, devoting themselves to the breaking of bread as a central act of worship, not as an afterthought, but as a priority that shaped their community and their lives.

The context of communion is rooted in the Passover, where God’s people were spared by the blood of a spotless lamb. In Christ, this finds its ultimate fulfillment: His blood, shed for us, delivers us from sin and death once and for all. As we take the bread and the cup, we are reminded that we are seen by God as pure and blameless—not because of our own worthiness, but because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice. This is a truth that is both humbling and liberating, calling us to approach the table with gratitude and awe.

Yet, the act of communion is not just about personal reflection; it is also about the unity of the body. Paul’s words to the Corinthians warn us against coming to the table with division, bitterness, or indifference. Communion is a communal act, symbolizing our oneness in Christ. We are not just individuals, but members of one body, called to love, serve, and forgive one another. The attitude with which we approach the table matters deeply—humility, repentance, and reconciliation are essential.

To prepare our hearts, it is helpful to look in four directions: back to Christ’s sacrifice, ahead to His return, within to examine our own hearts, and around to those with whom we share this meal. In doing so, we honor the Lord’s command, proclaim His death until He comes, and participate in the grace and unity He desires for His people. May we never take this privilege lightly, but devote ourselves afresh to the wonder and weight of communion.

Key Takeaways

1. Communion is a command of Christ and a central act of worship, not a mere tradition. It is a privilege to remember the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, the perfect Lamb, whose blood has secured our forgiveness and restored our relationship with God. This act should never be brushed over or treated as routine, but approached with reverence and gratitude. [16:34]
2. The Passover context of the Lord’s Supper reveals the depth of God’s saving work: just as the Israelites were spared by the blood of a spotless lamb, so we are delivered by Christ’s sacrifice. Unlike the temporary deliverance of the Old Testament, Jesus’ death is a permanent, all-sufficient atonement that makes us truly clean and reconciled to God. This is the foundation of our hope and identity. [24:21]
3. Our attitude in approaching communion is crucial. Paul warns that to partake in an unworthy manner—harboring division, bitterness, or indifference—brings judgment rather than blessing. We are called to examine ourselves, confess our sins, and seek reconciliation, so that we come to the table in humility and unity, reflecting the love and grace we have received. [29:39]
4. Communion is not just a personal act, but a communal one. We are one body with many parts, and our unity is both symbolized and strengthened as we share the bread and cup together. Differences and disagreements may exist, but love, humility, and service must prevail, echoing Christ’s example of washing His disciples’ feet. True worship is found in loving one another as He has loved us. [34:09]
5. Preparing for communion involves looking back to Christ’s sacrifice, looking ahead to His return, looking within to examine our hearts, and looking around to love our fellow believers. This fourfold focus keeps us grounded in the gospel, expectant for the future, honest about our need for grace, and committed to unity. In this way, communion becomes a living proclamation of Christ’s death and a foretaste of the feast to come. [40:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[13:30] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[14:37] - Choosing the Passages on Communion
[15:07] - The Importance of Christian Fundamentals
[16:02] - Communion as Core Worship
[17:21] - The Deeper Meaning of Communion
[18:26] - The Early Church’s Devotion
[20:23] - The Lord’s Command to Remember
[21:52] - Paul’s Rebuke to the Corinthians
[22:32] - The Passover Context
[24:21] - Jesus as the Perfect Lamb
[26:06] - The New Covenant and Our Forgiveness
[29:39] - Warnings About Our Attitude
[31:14] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[34:09] - Christ’s Example of Humility
[40:08] - Four Ways to Prepare for Communion
[44:09] - Loving One Another in Unity
[52:34] - The Power of the Cross
[53:23] - Looking Back, Ahead, Within, and Around
[55:50] - Reading from Matthew: The Crucifixion
[59:39] - Taking the Bread
[61:38] - Taking the Cup Together
[63:13] - Closing Prayer and Sending Out

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1. 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.”

2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (ESV) — > For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

3. Exodus 12:1-14 (ESV) [Passover context] — > (Read as background for understanding the Passover roots of Communion.)

Observation Questions

In Matthew 26, what does Jesus say the bread and the cup represent? What does he command his disciples to do with them?
According to 1 Corinthians 11, what warning does Paul give about the way we approach the Lord’s table? What does it mean to “examine yourself”? [29:39]
How does the Passover story in Exodus 12 connect to what Jesus does at the Last Supper? What is the significance of the lamb and the blood? [22:32]
What does Paul say happens if we eat and drink “in an unworthy manner”? What are some of the consequences he mentions? [29:39]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose the Passover meal as the setting for instituting Communion? What does this say about the meaning of his sacrifice? [24:21]
Paul warns the Corinthians about coming to the table with division or bitterness. Why is unity so important when we take Communion together? [31:14]
The sermon mentioned looking in four directions: back, ahead, within, and around. Why is it important to prepare our hearts in these ways before taking Communion? [40:08]
The early church “devoted themselves” to the breaking of bread. What does it look like for a church or a person to truly devote themselves to Communion, rather than treating it as a routine? [19:22]

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us not to “brush over” Communion or treat it as just another part of the service. When was the last time you really paused to reflect on the meaning of Communion? What could you do differently next time to approach it with more reverence? [16:34]
Jesus’ sacrifice means we are seen by God as pure and blameless—not because of our own worthiness, but because of his. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to accept this truth? How might believing it more deeply change the way you approach God? [27:19]
Paul warns against coming to the table with unresolved conflict or bitterness. Is there anyone in your life, especially in the church, with whom you need to seek reconciliation before taking Communion? What practical step could you take this week? [38:41]
The sermon described Communion as both a personal and a communal act. How can you help foster greater unity and love in our church family, especially around the Lord’s table? [34:09]
The fourfold preparation (looking back, ahead, within, and around) was suggested as a way to prepare for Communion. Which of these do you find most challenging, and why? What could help you grow in that area? [40:08]
The early church made Communion a priority and prepared themselves for it. What would it look like for you to “devote yourself” to Communion in your own spiritual life? Is there a habit or practice you could start to help with this? [19:22]
The sermon mentioned that taking Communion is a “living proclamation” of Christ’s death and a foretaste of the feast to come. How does this hope for the future shape the way you live today? [41:29]

Sermon Clips

Just remember that perfect lamb was chosen in the Old Testament, that perfect lamb without blemish. So Jesus was the perfect lamb chosen, wasn't he? He was without sin. He was without anything wrong with him at all. He was God's perfect son. And he was sacrificed to the people. But the people were us, weren't they? It wasn't just the Israelites. It was everyone, wasn't it? That perfect lamb was sacrificed once and for all. And as a result of that, we are saved. Just as the Israelites were saved from the angel of death, we are saved from the punishment that's due for our sins. [00:24:26] (34 seconds) #PerfectLambSacrifice

``But we can know that when Jesus came to die on the cross for us, that's the absolute final sacrifice that's ever needed. Alan spoke this morning, didn't he, about how the blood that was poured out in that sacrifice has cleansed us from our sins. It was an absolute perfect sacrifice, and that's because Jesus, the perfect lamb of God, paid the price for our sins. And it's not just a one-off thing. Sorry, it's not just a temporary thing. It's a permanent once and for all, isn't it? We are made perfect. [00:25:12] (32 seconds) #OnceForAllRedemption

And just as we do take communion, just think the fact that we can now enter into that relationship with God because He sees us as pure and spotless. He doesn't see our sins anymore. Our sins are gone, otherwise that sacrifice would have been imperfect, wouldn't it? But our sins are completely removed. And I think that's an amazing truth. I really do. That's something I've always struggled to get my head around. I've said many, many times. I'll probably say it many, many times again. I still really struggle to get my head around that, how I can still do things wrong, but God sees me as perfect, doesn't He? And that's because of that. Because Jesus paid the price. [00:26:57] (35 seconds) #ForgivenAndPerfectInChrist

And as we sit there, and as we take the bread, and we take the wine, just remember that we are absolutely perfect as a result of that. We are seen as perfect by God because our sins are forgiven. And that's an amazing thing anyway. [00:27:33] (16 seconds) #UnityOverDisagreement

It's so important that we as a group of Christians do things in unity. I think that's absolutely important. If we don't, the devil's very clever, isn't he? He will get in there, and he will split us apart. That's what he tries, doesn't he? He puts little bits of disagreement in there, and those bits of disagreement turn bigger and bigger. But we've got to remember, we're not just a group of, as Christians, as a church here, we're not just a group of friends. We're so much more than that, aren't we? We're not just like a Christian social club. We're not just like a group of like-minded people who come and meet together. But as we learned, if you read the next chapter in 1 Corinthians, that's where it talks about we are one body with many parts. [00:30:57] (37 seconds) #HumilityInService

But what that doesn't mean is it doesn't mean that we have to come, we are not worthy in ourselves. An unworthy manner is different to being worthy. We're coming here with a humble attitude to take this and to remember what the Lord has done for us. We are not worthy in ourselves, are we? We're only worthy because of what He has done for us. It's our attitude that should be worthy. And all we're doing is accepting that gift as what He's done for us. We've been saved, haven't we? Sin is saved by grace. [00:37:32] (26 seconds) #LookAheadHopeInChrist

But firstly, we should look back. We should look back at what the Lord's done for us. And as we come up before the table, that's the, as I've said already several times, that's the absolute key of this event, isn't it? That we're taking part to remember what our Lord Jesus has done for us. So that's the most important. Remembering his death for each and every one of us. And let us make it so much more than just recalling the historical events. It's not just thinking back, this is what I learned, this is what happened. But it's actually a much more in-depth thing than within ourselves, isn't it? As we look and we realize the blessings of our sins being forgiven. [00:40:21] (37 seconds) #CommunionHeartExamination

But secondly, we should be looking ahead. When the Lord did it with his disciples in Matthew, Matthew chapter 26, verse 29, he says, But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you anew in my Father's kingdom. This wasn't his death. It's not something that's happened and that's the end of it, is it? We know that he rose from the dead and one day we're going to go and be with him and we'll be able to do this again in heaven just as he's told us here in Matthew. So we should be looking ahead, shouldn't we? We should be looking ahead at his coming and the day when he comes to take us to be with him because ultimately that's where our focus is on, isn't it? To that day when we go and be with him. So look ahead as we take communion. [00:41:03] (45 seconds) #RememberSacrificeWithGratitude

And finally, let's look around. Let's indeed look around at your fellow believers, not in the way that's picking holes in them, but looking around them in love, isn't it? Look around those around about you. We're doing this as one body, not to judge, not to criticize, but to love and realize that that unity is absolutely essential so that we can serve the Lord in this world because unless we're working together, unless we're loving one another, then that's something that the devil will get his grips into. [00:43:24] (30 seconds) #ServeTogetherInUnity

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