COMMUNION
The Explanation
‘The night before Jesus was executed (crucified), he shared one last meal with his disciples. During the meal, he took some bread, pulled it into pieces, and passed it around the table. He told his disciples to take and eat the bread. “This is my body,” he said. Shortly later, he passed around a cup, telling them each to drink, saying, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”’ (Matthew 26:26, 28).
Jesus told his disciples to eat and drink in remembrance of him. This ‘communion,’ as it is often called, represents Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and our new life and new relationship with him. To this very day, followers of Jesus observe communion in obedience to him.
The early church also practised it.
“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.”
This practice often goes by several names, such as communion, the breaking of bread or the Lord’s supper. However, all of them serve the same overall purpose: to remind us of what Jesus did for us in his death and resurrection.
At IKON Church, we gather around this practice once per month.
The Practice
Remember Jesus’ sacrifice and death
Remember you are sharing this experience with others (in the room and around the world)
Reflect on the truth that Jesus will one day return for his Church
Ask and receive God’s forgiveness for your sins
Give thanks for your salvation
FURTHER IDEAS
This suggestion could be used in your group in a more formal manner:
The following liturgy is found in the Didache. The Didache is best described as a ‘How To’ manual used by the early church.
“Regarding the Eucharist, you shall give thanks as follows.
First, concerning the cup:
“We give you thanks, our Father, for the holy vine of David, your child, which you made known to us through Jesus your child. To you be the glory forever.”
Next, concerning the broken bread:
“We give you thanks, our Father, for the life and knowledge that you made known to us through Jesus your child. To you be glory forever. As this broken bread was scattered upon the mountains and gathered to become one, so may your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. For the glory and power are yours through Jesus Christ forever.”
And when you have had enough to eat, give thanks as follows:
“We give thanks, holy Father, for your holy name which you have made reside in our hearts, and for the knowledge, faith and immortality that you made known to us through Jesus your child. To you be glory forever.
You, O Master Almighty, created all things for the sake of your name, and gave both food and drink to humans for their refreshment, that they might give you thanks. And you graciously provided us with spiritual food and drink and eternal life through your child. Above all we thank you because you are powerful. To you be the glory forever.
Remember your Church, O Lord; save it from all evil and perfect it in your love. And gather it from the four winds into your kingdom, which you prepared for it. For yours is the power and glory forever.
May grace come and this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David. If anyone is holy let them come (to the Eucharist); if anyone is not, let them repent. Maranatha! Amen.”
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