Introduction

Beloved in Christ, it's a joy to gather with you today, to stand shoulder to shoulder as brothers and sisters in faith, united by our shared love, devotion, and commitment to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are a community of believers, a family of faith, a congregation bonded by the blood of Christ and the grace of God. We are, in essence, a living testament to the power of God's love and the transformative nature of His grace.

As we gather here today, we find ourselves on the precipice of a profound and deeply spiritual discussion, a discussion that takes us to the heart of our faith, to the core of our beliefs, to the very foundation upon which our relationship with God is built. We are here to engage with one of the most significant events in the history of our faith – the Last Supper, the Holy Communion, the breaking of bread and the sharing of wine.

In his infinite wisdom, John Piper once said, "The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to receive from Christ the nourishment and strength and hope and joy that come from feasting our souls on all that He purchased for us on the cross, especially His own fellowship." We remember the sacrifice of Christ, we commune with Him and our fellow believers, and we hope in the promise of His return.

Reflecting on the Sacrifice

As we turn our hearts and minds to the Scripture, we are invited to consider the profound act of love that took place on that fateful night, the night of the Last Supper. It's a moment that forever changed the course of history, a moment that continues to shape our faith and our relationship with God. In the quiet intimacy of that upper room, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it. He declared it to be His body, given for us. It's a statement that carries a weight of significance. His body, His very life, was to be broken, to be given up, for our sake. It's a sacrifice of unimaginable proportions.

The bread: In its brokenness, it symbolizes the body of Christ, broken on the cross. It's a stark reminder of the physical pain and suffering that Jesus endured for us. The nails that pierced His hands and feet, the crown of thorns pressed into His brow, the spear that punctured His side - all physical manifestations of the torment He willingly bore on our behalf.

The sacrifice of Christ extends beyond the physical: It reaches into the depths of spiritual and emotional suffering. Jesus, the Son of God, experienced separation from the Father as He bore the weight of our sins. He who knew no sin became sin for us. He took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved, the wrath of God that was rightfully ours.

The sharing of the cup: With this, Jesus introduces a new covenant, a new promise, sealed in His blood. This blood, shed on the cross, is the means by which we are cleansed, redeemed, and reconciled to God. It's a sacrifice that signifies the end of the old system of sacrifices, the end of the need for continual offerings for sin. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, offered Himself once and for all.

More than an event: The sacrifice of Christ is not just an event in history. It's a reality that we are called to remember and reflect upon. Each time we partake of the bread and the cup, we proclaim His death, we remember His sacrifice, and we acknowledge the depth of His love for us. Remembering the sacrifice of Christ is not a passive act. It's an active engagement with the reality of our faith. It's a conscious decision to acknowledge the cost of our redemption, the price of our salvation.

Matthew 16:24: In reflecting on the sacrifice of Christ, we are also reminded of our own call to sacrifice. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Our faith is not a call to comfort and convenience, but a call to sacrifice and service. As we remember the sacrifice of Christ, may we be inspired to live lives of sacrifice, giving of ourselves for the sake of others and for the glory of God.

The profound love of God: His is a love that is willing to sacrifice, a love that is willing to give, a love that is willing to endure pain and suffering for the sake of the beloved. As we reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, may we be drawn into a deeper understanding and appreciation of this love. May it shape our hearts, guide our lives, and inspire our faith.

Reveling in Communion

As we continue to engage with the Scripture, our focus shifts to the act of communion, the breaking of bread and the sharing of wine, as instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO