Having Life, The Message Of The Lord's Supper Series

HAVING LIFE, THE MESSAGE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, December 21, 2023

John 6:53–55 (ESV) "53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink."

INTRODUCTION

Having life, the message of the Lord's Supper is one of love, sacrifice, and redemption. It serves as a reminder of Jesus' ultimate act of selflessness in giving his body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. This sacred ritual invite believer to partake in communion with God and fellow believers, symbolising unity and the eternal bond between Christ and his followers.

The Lord's Supper also symbolises the unity of believers as they come together to partake in the bread and wine, representing their shared faith and fellowship. Additionally, it serves as a call to action for Christians to follow Jesus' example of selflessness and service to others in their daily lives.

Jesus would say this to emphasise the importance of selflessness and unity among his followers. By partaking in the Lord's Supper, believers are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and are encouraged to live a life of service and love towards others. Jesus wants his followers to understand that their faith is not just about personal salvation but also about actively demonstrating love and unity within the community of believers.

Once one is aware of how the enemy's power distorts this unity daily, one can actively work to counteract that influence and restore genuine unity within the community.

This calls for the fellowship between Jesus and believers, as it was in the Garden of Eden when the fellowship between man and God was perfect until the enemy Lucifer spoiled it by deceiving man.

Genesis 3:9–10, (AMP) "But the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”

The question is, "Where are you, Adam?" Will we answer the call to restore genuine unity within the community? As well as with God. Restoring genuine unity within the community requires individuals to recognise their role in countering the enemy's influence and actively seek fellowship with God. By answering the call to restore unity, believers can experience a renewed sense of love and connection, both within their community and with God.

A. SHARING OF THE BREAD

John 6:54

One way to restore genuine unity with the Lord is through the sharing of bread. This act symbolises not only physical nourishment but also a spiritual connection and a willingness to support and care for one another. By coming together to share a meal, individuals can foster a sense of belonging and strengthen their bonds with each other and with God. Jesus would emphasise this because he understood the power of communal meals in building relationships and deepening one's faith.

Partaking in the bread provides an opportunity for individuals to practice humility and selflessness. When sharing a meal, people are reminded of their common humanity and the importance of putting others' needs before their own. This act of service and sacrifice can lead to a greater understanding of God's love and teachings, ultimately deepening one's faith and connection with Him. By emphasising the significance of communal meals, Jesus encouraged his followers to prioritise unity, compassion, and spiritual growth within their community. Jesus' flesh is food for the soul, nourishing believers and sustaining their spiritual journey.

B. DRINKING MY BLOOD

John 6:54

Drinking Jesus' blood symbolises the acceptance of his sacrifice and the forgiveness of sins. It serves as a reminder of the deep connection between believers and Jesus, as well as the importance of spiritual nourishment. Through this act, individuals are encouraged to reflect on their actions and strive for a closer relationship with God. This practice also emphasises the need for ongoing repentance and renewal in one's faith journey.

Blood symbolises life; however, with Jesus' blood, it is eternal life that is offered to believers. By partaking in this symbolic act, believers are reminded of the eternal life that is promised to them through their faith in Jesus. This act of drinking Jesus' blood also serves as a unifying practice within the Christian community, as it signifies their shared belief and commitment to following Christ. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity and the love and grace that he offers to all who believe in him.

My blood is the drink for you, Jesus said during the Last Supper, emphasising the depth of his love and willingness to give everything for his followers. This statement further highlights the significance of drinking Jesus' blood to connect with his sacrifice and receive the spiritual nourishment that comes from a deep relationship with him. It is a profound act of trust and surrender, symbolising the intimate bond between believers and their saviour.