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Jesus established the act of remembrance we call communion when He associated His coming broken body and spilled blood with the bread and the wine that He offered to the disciples in the upper room (Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20). This symbolism is clear and easy for us to grasp.
Is this the only symbolic significance of communion? I believe that in addition to the symbolism of the elements themselves, a deep, intimately personal meaning is revealed as the elements are consumed.
Many think that, although the Romans carried out the horrible act of the crucifixion, the Jews were ultimately responsible for Jesus’ death. After all, they were the ones that cried out, “Crucify Him.” But each time I celebrate communion, I am confronted with the sobering fact that the blame belongs to neither the Romans nor the Jews. It lies squarely on me. I killed Jesus!
As I crush the bread representing His body with my teeth, I cannot deny that I am the one responsible for His crushed and broken body, the penalty He paid for my sins. Then, after eating the bread, the crumbs remaining in my mouth are a powerful reminder of how tainted I am by my glaring sin and guilt.
Fortunately, I need not remain at this sobering and desperate place as I am soon able to drink from the cup and wash away the crumbs. I rejoice because, in like manner, Jesus’ shed blood washes away my sin and guilt and leaves me bathed in His righteousness.
Father, I pray that each time I celebrate communion, You will remind me as I crush the bread, that I killed Jesus when He took my place on the cross. Thank You that, as the wine washes away the crumbs in my mouth, so His blood washes away my sin and guilt. Thank You for the pictures You give so that we might understand and glorify You.
Questions: Have you come to terms with the fact that you are one responsible for Jesus’ death on the cross? If so, thank Him for His amazing grace that has given you eternal life and cleansed you from the stains of sin and guilt.
About the Author: Doug Emberley
Tags: bread, Communion, crucifixion, Devotional, Doug Emberley, guilt, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Men, salvation, sin, wine
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Thanks for a sobering truth/ I feel so free and clean knowing He bled and died for mw..such LoVE is so clean and clear. I know without doubth if it was only me on earth he would have done the same “die’ for me..How I love Him….THanks for sharing this info with me…..