Communion
Write out this week's memory verse in your favorite translation.
Matthew 26:26-28 “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (NIV).”
This week, we will discuss the following:
What is communion?
Where is communion found in Scripture?
What are the different views on communion?
Who can take communion?
Matthew 26:26-28 | 1 Corinthians 20:26 | Acts 2:42 | Luke 22:19-20 | 1 Corinthians 11:26
WHAT IS COMMUNION
Communion has a few names in the Church like the breaking of bread, the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist. It holds great significance in the Christian faith.
The most intimate place you can fellowship with another is at the dinner table over a meal. Numerous scientific studies have shown radical benefits to sharing a meal together.
In 2015, a group of Canadian physicians and researchers found that eating together can help prevent mental health disorders.
“One study reported a statistically significant negative association between family meal frequency and high depressive symptoms, as well as between family meal frequency and suicidal thoughts, in both females and males. This statistical significance was maintained even after adjusting for various demographic and familial factors. The only noted difference between the sexes was the existence of a statistically significant negative association between family meal frequency and suicide attempts in females that was not present in males. Two other non–sex-specific studies found a statistically significant inverse association between family meal frequency and depressive symptoms, with one study extending this association to include suicidal risk. Findings also remained statistically significant after controlling for similar factors.”[1]
In 2022, the American Health Association found that 91% of parents say their family is less stressed when they eat together.[2]
In a 2017 study, the University of Oxford found that “the more people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives.”[3]
What is the relevance of this when it comes to communion? Communal dining was a fundamental aspect of the early church's identity. Let's look at Acts 2:42 as an illustration. A few weeks ago, we memorized this verse and its four primary components that make up the church: (1) the teachings of the apostles (Scripture), (2) fellowship (communal bonding), (3) the breaking of bread (the act of sharing a meal), and (4) prayer.
Communion encompasses the act of sharing fellowship and partaking in the breaking of bread. This is more than a simple pairing of a cracker and juice on a Sunday. Communion is the act of partaking in a meal together while reflecting on the significance of Jesus' gospel message and the sacrifices He made for us. The deeper meaning of the communion (also known as the Lord’s Supper) is deep, intricate, and tangible.
WHAT DOES COMMUNION SYMBOLIZE
The death of Christ – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26, CSB).”
The breaking of the bread symbolizes the breaking of Jesus’ body. The pouring of the cup symbolizes the pouring out of Jesus’ blood for the atonement of our sins.
The fulfillment of the fellowship/peace offering – Read Leviticus 3:11-18 and 7:11-18.
The peace offering is the offering that brings us into fellowship with God. The first part of the sacrifice was given to God. The meat that was left over was eaten. This is the first offering eaten by the priest and the person offering it. This sacrifice was used to establish “communion” with God. When Jesus said, “Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.” (John 6:53-58, NLT) He is referring to Himself as our fellowship/peace offering. (Also see Matthew 26:26)
The fulfillment of the grain offering – In the gospel of John, Jesus calls His flesh the bread for people to eat. “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 (John 6:51, NIV).”
Oil is poured over the grain offering. In Scripture, oil represents the Holy Spirit’s anointing. The term Christ (Greek) or Messiah (Hebrew) means anointed one.
Finally, Leviticus 2:6 shows the sacrifice is broken just like Jesus broke the bread in Luke 22:19.
Communion is an act of unity among believers.
“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread (1 Corinthians 10:17, ESV).”
It affirms my faith in Christ – “Finally, as I take the bread and cup for myself, by my actions I am proclaiming, “I need you and trust you, Lord Jesus, to forgive my sins and give life and health to my soul, for only by your broken body and shed blood can I be saved.” In fact, as I partake in the breaking of the bread when I eat it and the pouring out of the cup when I drink from it, I proclaim again and again that my sins were part of the cause of Jesus’ suffering and death. In this way, sorrow, joy, thanksgiving, and deep love for Christ are richly intermingled in the beauty of the Lord’s Supper.”[4]
WHAT ARE THE FOUR VIEWS OF COMMUNION
Transubstantiation—This is the official teaching of the Roman Catholic church. The prefix “trans-“ denotes change (think transformation). The term “substantiation” refers to substance. This idea maintains the belief that during Mass[5], when the priest blesses the bread and wine, they undergo a transformation and become the literal physical form of Jesus Christ’s flesh and blood. Protestants[6] reject this view of communion.
Consubstantiation—This view became popular during the Protestant Reformation. Most of those who subscribed to consubstantiation had the former view of transubstantiation but also knew it was not correct. The prefix “con-“ means “together,” and “substantiation,” as we just learned, means “substance.” This view holds to the understanding that the bread and wine are spiritually Jesus’ blood and flesh, but that they do not actually transform into Him. Consubstantiation says that Jesus is present in the bread and wine but is not actually the bread and wine itself. This belief is based on the idea that Jesus is working together, within, and fully embracing both elements: the bread and wine.
Memorial View – This view is commonly held by most Protestant Churches. The memorial view sees communion as a time to remember what Christ did for humankind on the cross. The elements of communion are strictly symbolic. This view does not believe that the bread and wine have mystical connections to Jesus’ body.
WHO CAN TAKE COMMUNION?
According to Scripture, those who are Christians with examined hearts can take communion. (See 1 Corinthians 11:27-32.)
It may be obvious, but it is worth stating that Jesus wants us to be reconciled to our brothers and sisters before we bring our sacrifice of praise to the Lord. Our Lord, who knows all things, including the unspoken thoughts of the mind and heart, wants us to be properly postured and prepared for worship. Resolving conflict, according to Matthew 18, confronting sins (including finding the log in our own eye), and extending mercy and forgiveness are often difficult and time-consuming. Despite the effort required, it is a most worthy and God-honoring endeavor.[7]
When it comes to who can take communion, churches have two different views.
The first view is open communion. This means that anyone who is a professing Christian with an examined and repentant heart is welcome to partake in communion.
The second view is closed communion. This view suggests that those who partake in communion should be affiliated with the specific local church that administers it.
HOW TO LEAD A COMMUNION MEDITATION
Communion meditation is a devotional-like presentation that prepares our hearts and minds. This meditation should be Scripture-focused, and the point of communion should be connected to it. Additionally, reminding Christians to examine themselves before partaking should be included.
Find a passage of Scripture for the saints to meditate through.
A call to repentance
You could read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 to remind ourselves what communion is.
Closeout in prayer.
I encourage you to take communion as a group tonight.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What view of communion are you more drawn to? Was this your view prior to class? If not, what made you change your mind?
2. Do you partake in communion as a family at home or only at church?
3. How can you explain the concept of communion to a new disciple?
4. Ask your group members how you can pray for one another.
[1] Harrison, M, M Norris, H Weinstangel, C Field, and M Sampson. “The Effect of Family Meals on Adolescent Psychosocial Outcomes: A Systematic Review.” Paediatrics & Child Health 17.suppl_A (2012): 40A-41A. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/17.suppl_a.40ab
[2] “New Survey: 91% of Parents Say Their Family Is Less Stressed When They Eat Together.” American Heart Association, n.d. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-survey-91-of-parents-say-their-family-is-less-stressed-when-they-eat-together.
[3] “Social Eating Connects Communities | University of Oxford,” 16 March 2017. https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-16-social-eating-connects-communities.
[4] Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 989–991.
[5] The catholic version of a Church service.
[6] A member of the Christian Church, specifically not catholic or Orthodox.
[7] “Reconciliation before Communion | Tabletalk.” Tabletalk, 10 October 2023. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2023/10/reconciliation-before-communion/#:~:text=It%20may%20be%20obvious%2C%20but,postured%20and%20prepared%20for%20worship.
