Unity in Communion
“...On the night that he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” - 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 NLT
READ: Luke 22:1-23 NLT
“...On the night that he was betrayed…” Wow. Paul really wanted the church of Corinth to understand the circumstances of the night that Jesus led His disciples in communion. He didn’t have this happy, joyful or easy time leading them in the first communion. He offered them this gift in a moment that Jesus knew that one of them would turn Him over to the authorities for a few coins and another would deny even knowing Him. Jesus saw the suffering ahead and still chose to spend His final moments with His friends offering everything He had to give them. He knew the pain to come and still chose to offer each of them a seat at the table.
We have all had Judas and Peters in our lives, people who have hurt, abandoned, and betrayed us as their friends or family members. All of us have been let down by another believer or by The Church as a whole. The world’s culture today encourages us to “speak our truth” and to “protect our peace” when it comes to dealing with people who have hurt us. Jesus challenges this new societal norm by offering His betrayers a place at the table with Him. He didn’t reject relationship with them because they hurt or offended Him.
What a valuable perspective to bring as we take communion together as a body of believers each week. We are likely standing in the room with people who have hurt us, and yet Jesus offers them the same seat at the table to commune with Him that He offers us. We are all the reason that Jesus had to endure so much suffering and pain, yet He still chooses to forgive us. It is such a sweet and gracious reminder to us, to forgive others who have wronged us, whenever we take communion. If Jesus, who was perfect, could forgive those who had wronged Him then we can too.
ACTIVATION: Gather bread and juice or whatever you have available to take communion. Take a moment to reflect on anyone you might be angry or bitter with because of how they have treated you. Ask God for help to forgive them the way He forgives you. Take communion and remember the sacrifice Jesus gave for you so you could have relationship with Him.
READ: Luke 22:1-23 NLT
“...On the night that he was betrayed…” Wow. Paul really wanted the church of Corinth to understand the circumstances of the night that Jesus led His disciples in communion. He didn’t have this happy, joyful or easy time leading them in the first communion. He offered them this gift in a moment that Jesus knew that one of them would turn Him over to the authorities for a few coins and another would deny even knowing Him. Jesus saw the suffering ahead and still chose to spend His final moments with His friends offering everything He had to give them. He knew the pain to come and still chose to offer each of them a seat at the table.
We have all had Judas and Peters in our lives, people who have hurt, abandoned, and betrayed us as their friends or family members. All of us have been let down by another believer or by The Church as a whole. The world’s culture today encourages us to “speak our truth” and to “protect our peace” when it comes to dealing with people who have hurt us. Jesus challenges this new societal norm by offering His betrayers a place at the table with Him. He didn’t reject relationship with them because they hurt or offended Him.
What a valuable perspective to bring as we take communion together as a body of believers each week. We are likely standing in the room with people who have hurt us, and yet Jesus offers them the same seat at the table to commune with Him that He offers us. We are all the reason that Jesus had to endure so much suffering and pain, yet He still chooses to forgive us. It is such a sweet and gracious reminder to us, to forgive others who have wronged us, whenever we take communion. If Jesus, who was perfect, could forgive those who had wronged Him then we can too.
ACTIVATION: Gather bread and juice or whatever you have available to take communion. Take a moment to reflect on anyone you might be angry or bitter with because of how they have treated you. Ask God for help to forgive them the way He forgives you. Take communion and remember the sacrifice Jesus gave for you so you could have relationship with Him.
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!
1 Comment
Wow, what a great picture of how we should treat others. And a reminder to examine ourselves because I don't want to be the source of someone else's pain. Very hard-hitting, Rachel. Thank you.