The union of communion

"do this in memory of Me"

1 Corinthians 11:24

For a Christian, communion is possibly the most beautiful part of a relationship with Jesus.  It's a reminder to us, and an acknowledgement of what He did for us, and it's accompanied (presumably) with a prayer of gratitude or appreciation.  

And I think, as we partake in communion, our minds generally go to two things:  Jesus' sacrifice on the cross ~ His body and blood being symbolized by the elements ~ and His communion with the Disciples during the Last Supper.  And I think there are some interesting things to note about that first instance of communion.  So let's look at some of John 13 ~ and try to really visualize the scene described here:

     "Jesus said, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.'  Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.  

     Now there was, leaning on Jesus' breast, one of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved.  Simon Peter therefore mentioned to him to ask who it was of whom Jesus spoke.  

       And leaning back on Jesus' breast, the one whom He loved said to Him, 'Lord, who is it?'

       Jesus answered, 'It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.'  And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot."

For most of us, communion is quiet, solitary, and contemplative.  We are praying; repentant; and thankful.  But for the disciples, this meal was conversational, and intimate.  Notice what Scripture tells us about the position of John:  the one whom Jesus loved was leaning on Jesus' breast.

Now look at what this passage tells us about the position of Judas.  "Having dipped the bread, Jesus handed it to Judas."  Now remember, this was the night before Judas would betray Jesus, and yet Judas is seated in a place of honor ~ close enough for Jesus to hand him the bread He had dipped.  It's a wonder that he had been invited to participate in this celebration of Passover at all, but more than that, a short time before, Jesus had washed his feet.  

Communion is about our relationship with Jesus.  When we partake of the bread and wine, we should do it not only in memory of Him, but with Him, for we have been invited by Him.  But which position are you in?   John, called "the one whom Jesus loved," was intimately, comfortably leaning into Him.  That is communing with Jesus.  

Judas, on the other hand, had plans of his own.  When you are communing with Jesus, is your heart more focused on your plans, or His?   But know, that even if you are more focused on yourself, that He is reaching out to you.  You are the one that Jesus loves.

~ "Everyone ought to examine themselves 

before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." ~

1 Corinthians 11:28