In the church of Christ tradition our church eats the bread and drinks the cup every Lords’s day. There are many ideas about the meaning, the motive, and the method of this holy communion. One thing is very clear though. The central purpose is to keep us centered on Jesus.

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 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.” 25 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)

By this wonderful reminder we are again and again pointed to Jesus. By taking the bread we remember that he suffered and died in a real body. He offered a real human body for us so that we might live in a new body when he comes. And, as we drink the fruit of the vine we remember that his pure blood purchased the new covenant that assures us of heaven.

Remembering Jesus is not the only message of the Lord’s Supper but it is the most important. Mark is down, Christians are to be centered on the gospel and on Jesus. People who are centered on Jesus are not given to foolish controversies, divisions and factions, fights about worship styles and attacking other believers.

The next time you take a bit of communion bread remember the Lord Jesus and what he suffered that you might have life. And when you drink from the cup remember the royal blood that was shed to take away your sins. Focus on Jesus and you will clearly see how he wants you to live in his stead on this earth.

for Jesus,
Royce