“What if communion was never meant to be just a ritual… but an invitation to encounter?”
This simple yet profound statement caused me to pause and reflect.
For many believers, communion has become a familiar part of our church rhythm—a brief moment of reverence before moving on with the rest of the service. But what if we’ve reduced something sacred to something routine? What if, in our effort to honor the ritual, we’ve missed the relationship at its heart?
The early church didn’t treat communion as a lifeless ceremony. In Acts 2:42, we read that the first believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Communion—the breaking of bread—was central to their spiritual life. It wasn’t just symbolic; it was spiritual. It wasn’t occasional; it was regular. It wasn’t ritualistic; it was relational.
More Than a Memory
When Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me,” He wasn’t asking us to simply recall a past event. The Greek word used for “remembrance” (anamnesis) means more than just remembering—it implies a present, living participation in what is remembered.
In other words, communion is not just a backward glance at Calvary. It’s a present-tense encounter with the risen Christ.
It’s a moment to receive grace again. To be freshly cleansed. To hear His voice. To realign our hearts.
In this sacred act, Jesus meets us again—intimately, personally, powerfully.
When Heaven Touches Earth
Communion can be powerful in both private and public settings. In quiet, solitary moments, even a simple piece of bread and a sip of juice can become a sacred encounter where Christ’s presence feels near. In corporate worship, as the bread and cup are shared, the Holy Spirit often moves deeply—tears fall, hearts are softened, and faith is rekindled in the presence of God.
This is no ordinary table. This is where heaven meets earth.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
Communion is a declaration of faith—a proclamation of what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do.
It is sacred. It is spiritual. It is now.
A Table Set for Encounter
Communion is a table set by Jesus Himself. He invites us to come, not out of duty but out of desire. Not with fear, but with faith.
At this table, we:
- Encounter His Presence – Jesus meets with us as we receive the bread and cup.
- Examine Our Hearts – We realign our lives with His holiness and grace.
- Express Our Unity – We declare that we are one body, united in Christ.
- Embrace Our Hope – We look forward to His return with joyful anticipation.
This is not an empty ritual. This is a divine invitation.
So the next time you receive communion, pause. Slow down. Quiet your heart. Don’t rush the moment. See the bread. Taste the cup. Sense His nearness. Let it be more than a memory—it’s an encounter.
Let Jesus meet you at the table.
Reflection Questions:
- What does communion mean to you personally?
- Have you ever experienced a deep encounter with Jesus during communion?
- How can your church or small group bring fresh meaning to the Lord’s Table?
