Communion | Come to the Table

COMMUNION | COME TO THE TABLE
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
May 28, 2023

Pastor Keith is sharing a very special message about communion or as it’s called in other traditions, the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist. We’re going to explore its origins, meaning, and practice. Best of all, as a church family, we’re going to participate in this holy meal together which binds us to Christ and one another. This is your invitation. Come to the table.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What did you learn today that was different or made you see communion in a different light?

2. It’s amazing how the ancient celebration of Passover connected to their deliverance from Egypt contained all the elements for explaining the gospel story; the Lamb of God, the Bread of Life, and Cup of Salvation. Truly all the Old Testament celebrations and observances in some way find their fulfillment in Christ. Can you think of any other Old Testament examples or observances that do this? 

3. The meal covenant was one of the ways people in ancient times mended broken relationships. In many ways, communion represents this same idea that we can now come together with one another and God in a statement that what was once broken between us is now healed and restoration has happened. It’s a celebration of our reconciliation with God – that what once stood between us has been removed. Take some time to share what it means to you personally to be reconciled with God. What barriers have been removed or remain? Take a few moments to consider this meal is also about being reconciled with one another. Are there any barriers that remain between you and others?

4. In some traditions, people have been erroneously taught that one has to be sinless to participate in holy communion. Yet in the very first one, the Gospel of Mark intentionally sandwiches the account of the Lord’s Supper between two incidents of betrayal. When you think about those gathered around the first communion, their hearts were anything but pure. Were you ever taught that only the worthy or morally upright and perfect could participate in communion? How did that make you feel? What sort of church were you in that taught that? What would you say to your younger self now that you know that what you were taught is untrue?

5. Communion is about connection, union with Christ - to experience Him afresh. And it’s an active invitation on our part to invite Christ into our present reality to be in, through, and for us what we most desperately need. What do you need Jesus to do for you today? Where are you struggling? What are you fearing? Where are you feeling all alone? Now form your need into a prayer to ask Christ to be those things for you today. As you partake in communion, visualize Jesus confronting your fears and hear Him speaking words of hope. If you see yourself as all alone, in your mind’s eye, see Jesus walk into your empty space and join you there. What does Jesus say to you? Whatever you’re facing or feeling, see Jesus entering into that experience alongside you. This is what happens in communion, we become one with Him and He becomes one with us. Go from this moment in the strength of the Lord.

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