TODAY’S VERSES:

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.”

We recently taught a special lesson on communion in prep school. We asked the kids, “Why do we celebrate communion?” They answered, ”Respect for Jesus and God... because Jesus died on the cross …He didn’t have to do it, but He loves us… I am thankful.”  What beautiful answers and all of them true. The most important reason we celebrate communion, though, is because we are told to. Jesus Christ said in Luke 22:19,20 “do this in remembrance of me.” So, as children of the Lord, we obey Him and remember, with gratitude, His sacrifice.

Before the cross took place, the Jews were commanded to perform multiple sacrifices, over and over again, for the sins committed against God and, also, to show their gratitude towards Him and His faithfulness (see link in the “Did You Know” section). Most of these sacrifices included the slaughter of countless animals, as blood is required for the forgiveness of sin.

Hebrews 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

When the Lord Jesus Christ was judged for our sins and died on the cross, He became a better sacrifice than all of those animals combined. Jesus Christ was without sin and, therefore, was the perfect sacrifice. His people no longer need to sacrifice animals. His blood is exactly what was necessary to cover the payment for the sins of all mankind, for all of human history.

Hebrews 10:4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Hebrews 10:10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Our sins are not just forgiven up until the next time we celebrate communion. They are forgiven for all of eternity. When we realize that we are hopeless and helpless without God and in desperate need of a savior, causing us to repent of our sinful lifestyle and become willing to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are born again, children of the Living God. As His children, we are given the precious gift of His promise to live for all eternity in Heaven with Him- the God who was willing to die in our place.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

So, the answer to the question “why communion?” is, simply, obedience and gratitude to God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- for the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Thank You, Lord, for all that you have done and continue to do because you love us!