The Symbols of the Bread and the Wine
Each Sunday we meet together to break bread and drink wine in memory of what Jesus accomplished for us. We remember Jesus in two ways, the bread and in the wine. Have you ever asked why we have two parts to remember? Read on for the answer...
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Each Sunday we meet together to break bread and drink wine in memory of what Jesus accomplished for us.
We remember Jesus in two ways, the bread and in the wine. Have you ever asked why we have two parts to remember? In Ephesians 5:2 this is explained.
Jesus gave himself in two aspects, as an offering and a sacrifice. The offering aspect was bloodless, but the sacrificial aspect was a blood sacrifice. We remember Jesus for two things
First as an offering that is bloodless. This reminds us of Jesus offering his life of 3½ years, which he lived combatting all the barbs and tests brought on him from the Pharisees, Sadducees, and others, without sinning. At times, we may neglect this particularly important part of our memorial, forgetting that if Jesus had not lived a life without sin, he could not have been a sacrifice for our sins. Remember that all sacrifices had to be without spot. This is what we call to mind when we share the bread. When we give thanks for the bread it is the time to show our appreciation for the life that he lived free from sin, and that we need to strive to follow in his example.
His sacrifice was his life and his blood, shed on the cross. For this, we give thanks, not just that he gave his life for us, but more importantly for what his sacrifice accomplished for us on the cross, the forgiveness of our sins by the grace of God. He gave his life and he suffered on the cross, but he did this so that we can have our sins forgiven. This thought should always be included in our prayer, thanking God for His grace in forgiving our sins, without which we cannot be saved.
As we examine ourselves before the memorial feast, let us recall how far we missed the mark in living as Jesus’ did. Let us thank God for His grace in giving Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins.
Russ Patterson
Verdugo CA Ecclesia