For I [apostle Paul] received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 ESV

By: Scott Schuler

My wife, Lory, and I enjoy hiking wooded trails, drinking in the beauty of nature: the playful sound of a creek falling over rocks, the soothing chirps of crickets in the evening or the sweet song of a tree frog after the rain. Surrounded by God’s creation, we’re inspired to pray and praise God for His blessings. I recall suggesting to Lory that we take communion along with us on one of these outings, to celebrate God’s work in our lives. She was surprised. “Isn’t communion something we can only celebrate in church?”

Communion is an expression of worship, celebrating Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus gave His life to pay your sin debt in exchange for your new life and restored relationship with God. Rather than a ritual, partaking of the communion bread and wine is symbolic participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, as instructed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23-25.

The bread of the communion celebration represents the body of Jesus, broken on the cross. The cup of wine or juice represents the blood of Jesus, poured out at the cross for the atonement (reparation, payment) of your sins. Paul also warns the people of Corinth to get their hearts right with Jesus prior to receiving communion:

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:27–28

You don’t have to be in a church building to participate in communion. Jesus encourages you to participate in communion alone or with others, in both difficult and joyous times.

Jesus is less concerned about the method of serving and receiving communion than He is about its relevance and meaning in your life.

He invites you to come with a reverent, humble heart to remember and celebrate Him.

Whether you celebrate communion in a church, during small group in a home, or sitting by a mountain stream, be intentional. No devices. No agenda. Just God and one another. Remember and honor Jesus’ sacrifice. He will meet you there and fill you with peace and hope that only He can provide.

Invite your spouse or a friend to take communion with you. Be intentional with selecting a soothing, peaceful spot. Bring juice and bread and prepare to reflect and celebrate all that Jesus has and will do in your life. And bring your Bible. You never know what may come from time sitting at the feet of Jesus.

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