January 07, 2023
In one of the “I AM” statements in the book John, Jesus said this about himself,
“I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will never hunger, and he who believes in me will never thirst.” - John 6:35
If that wasn’t confusing enough, He followed it up with,
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world….. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. " - John 6:51, 54-55
This completely derailed those listening because they thought He was speaking in literal terms.
The Bible tells us that that day many stopped following Him altogether.
Was Jesus suggesting, in any way, a literal meal? Of course not.
So, if not, what was He saying and what does it have to do with Communion?
First let me ask you a question:
If you believe the food on the table is good for you, but don’t actually eat the food – what will happen?
You will die of starvation - the “bread of life” within reach.
The truth is, eating a good meal transforms us.
We arrive hungry and weary and leave full and energized.
But in order to remain physically healthy, we have to eat….. Every day.
If we believe this is true then we follow up that belief by actually eating.
Belief and action must reveal the same thing.
When it comes to our Spiritual life the same is true.
Belief and action must reveal the same thing.
James, in arguing that faith without action is dead, said this, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that -- and shudder.” – James 2:19
Belief in God does not benefit the demons because what they DO completely contradicts what they “BELIEVE.”
Action reveals what we REALLY believe to be true.
Jesus is life.
He has offered us the great privilege of participating in His life and benefitting from His life.
Partaking in the life of Jesus will transform you.
When you walk with Jesus and take Himself into your life you are changed.
That’s the invitation.
Come and daily partake of My life, whose benefits continue for all eternity.
Communion is intended to remind us that the cross guarantees this invitation.
It’s not about a tiny piece of bread or shot of grape juice.
By taking the bread and juice you are saying that you are accepting His invitation.
You want what Jesus has.
You want to EXPERIENCE Him.
You want to be LIKE Him.
You want to GROW in Him.
You want to be TRANSFORMED.
Let’s pray.
