Celebrating Communion at home

Also known as the Lord's Supper and the Eucharist, scholars have argued for centuries over the theology of communion but all agree that it is important. Most of us understand that there is something more than just the bread and wine present during this ritual instituted by our Lord.

Communion is rooted in the celebration of Passover, commemorating God's rescue of Israel from slavery in Egypt. It was while celebrating Passover with the Apostles, that Jesus, on the night of His betrayal, passed the bread and the cup around and said, “do this in remembrance of me.”

Jesus changed the purpose of the celebration. Now, instead of the ritual slaughter of a lamb, Jesus would offer himself as the final and perfect atonement for our sin. Like the rescue of Israel from bondage in Egypt, Jesus rescued us from bondage to sin.

Jesus never asked his followers to remember his birth. He did instruct us to remember his death and resurrection. Communion is a powerful dramatization of the gospel, using all of our senses.

Passover was celebrated in the home. It was an intimate celebration. It is appropriate, today, to celebrate communion in small groups at home, even if it's just family. Especially during this time when church gatherings are ill advised and we approach Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

All you need is bread and grape juice or wine. Reading this Bible passage would be appropriate but many others would work as well

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: 

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, 

took bread, 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.” 

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,

 “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; 

do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, 

you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

I Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV)