What does partaking of communion mean to you? What thoughts run through your head? Do you imagine being in the upper room with Jesus and His disciples on the evening of His betrayal? Do you think about what the emblems represent?
Many thoughts can run through our heads. There are several points we can focus on during our time around the Lord’s table. We can go through a progression of thoughts beginning with that evening and progressing through the ascension.
We may feel regret and be penitent of our past sins as we come to the table. We have been told Jesus died for our sins, that we are to blame for Him going to the cross as much as the Jews who screamed for His death nearly two-thousand years ago. We may repent of our past sins prior to partaking of the bread and wine.
We may be thankful for Jesus offering Himself as the perfect Lamb of God. We may thank Him for being our Savior, for providing us with hope and salvation. Our thankfulness may include the blessings we have received from Him through our lives.
We may be joyful for our salvation that comes with Jesus’ resurrection. Our joy may include being jubilant, happy, or excited. After all, it is a wonderful thought knowing that Jesus rose from being dead and knowing we will be resurrected with Him.
We may celebrate His ascension. As we think of Him ascending to heaven, we remember His promise to return. We remember His promise that He is preparing a place for us. We look forward to being with Him for all eternity.
Many thoughts, emotions, and focus points can come to mind as we eat the bread and drink the wine. All of these are appropriate. We may have a different focus depending on our current life situation, and that is appropriate. The key to coming to the table is to be focused on Him and knowing He comes to the table with us.
I pray we all partake in communion when it is offered. I pray we focus on one or more aspects of Jesus. I pray each one of us experience the joy of knowing Jesus has fulfilled and continues to fulfill His promises. Remember Jesus. Experience communion with Him. Focus on different points. Trust Him in all things.
Mark 14:22-24 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.
Marty Pressey 