Communion, like baptism, is a sacrament, meaning it is both a symbol and an assurance of God’s covenantal love. There is a symbolic nature to communion, like baptism, in that it paints a picture of how Jesus loves his followers. And yet, it is not simply symbolic. In communion, we are strengthened by God’s love.  

With communion, we remember the last meal Jesus shared with his first disciples before his crucifixion. Luke 22:14-16 - When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 

When the first Christians saw the crucifixion of Jesus, they understood what he meant when he said his body would be broken for us, and his blood would be poured out for us. Jesus offered himself willingly as the Ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice invites us to experience God’s mercy, whose blood seals his followers into a covenantal relationship with God now and forever. 

How do we discern the body of Christ in communion? (1) In communion, we remember we are united with Jesus. In communion, we discern the body of Christ by recognizing that Jesus was broken and poured out for us. Jesus was crucified willingly to move our lives in a new direction as people who can be sealed in a covenantal relationship with God, as we say YES to Jesus. In communion, we remember that Jesus was [point] broken for us. So that we might be forever united with him, forever walk with him.  

If you would like to read more about Storyhill Communion, feel free to read Lead Teaching Pastor Michael Flake’s latest sermon on the subject.