Communion Meditation

Around the time we celebrate Easter, the Jewish people celebrate Passover – a festival commemorating God’s saving act in freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This feast is a serious time, but there is also an element of celebration as they look forward to God continuing to act on their behalf.

For the Jewish people, a proper celebration of the Passover would take place in Jerusalem – surrounded by fellow believers and in the glorious temple dedicated to God. Unfortunately a “proper” celebration of the Passover has not taken place for almost 2000 years, since the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. With no temple in Jerusalem there is no place for the sacrifices to occur. In addition, with the cost and difficulty of returning to their homeland, most Jews celebrate the Passover in their homes, with their families. And as the feast comes to a close, they raise their glasses and say simply, “Next year in Jerusalem.” With these simple worlds they express a hope that next year, things will be different. That perhaps God and history will move in a direction that favors a full celebration of one of their most significant and cherished holidays.

And as we gather around the communion table we are in a similar position. This thing we call the “Lord’s Supper,” is not really a supper is it? A small piece of bread and a sip of juice would not be much of a Thanksgiving dinner would it? No, it is not a great feast like we normally think of around holidays. Though a wonderful experience, it pales in comparison to the great banquet God has prepared for us. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:12, now we see a poor reflection but one day we will see the full extent of God’s love face to face. What we do around this table is meaningful, but only because it points to a fuller, more realized feast that we will celebrate with the risen Savior in the presence of God.

So as we partake of this simple meal, may we do so with hope and expectation. Jesus has instituted this meager meal not as our last supper, but to tide us over until we celebrate the great banquet in heaven. This meal reminds us that we have placed our hope in the one who has overcome sin and death in our place. Bound up in this meal are all of our expectations of greater things to come. So as we partake, may we, with all the hope we can muster, say together, “Next time, in the New Jerusalem.” (Rev. 21:2)