AN INVITTION TO DINE WITH JESUS AT HIS TABLE
www.prophecyfulfillment.com
www.prophecyfulfillment.com
|
|
www.prophecyfulfillment.com |
|
|
|
Although many Christians observe Communion, this sacred event should be more than breaking and eating a morsel of bread (matzo) and sipping fruit of the vine (grape juice, wine). This sacred observance originated from the beginning of mankind's history, was perfected and recommended by Jesus, and will not be completed until Jesus' followers are gathered with Him in Paradise. Please study, as I touch some of the beauty and symbolism of God's New Covenant meal. Through your study, your Communion participation may be more meaningful (2 Timothy 2:15): Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This text may be lengthier than you think necessary. You may choose to read this study guide in several sessions. Consider this guide as more of a reference than a “quick read.” There is much to consider about Communion, and I only discuss a small portion of God's message to us. Some Scriptures are quoted directly in boldface type. You will need to read other Scriptures in your Bible. I take related detours in the boxed SIDELIGHTS.
Inadequacy of the English language being what it is, I aggregate all Believers/ Christians/ Followers in the word “Church.” Most translations of the New Testament translate the Greek compound word ekklesia (literally, “the called out ones”) in this manner. Jesus is Savior for all regardless of the building in which we congregate. Jesus looks at our hearts, not the sign outside of the meeting building.
INTRODUCTION — GOD'S MASTER PLAN.
Communion is one of the most sacred, meaningful observances of the Body of Believers of Jesus the Christ. This Body does not relate to a particular denomination, but to the collective grouping of persons who believe in Jesus as Savior, who follow Him, who are willing to suffer or die for Him, and who recognize Him as One of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. The Apostle Paul wrote (1 Corinthians 12:27): Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. Earlier in this chapter, Paul explained that individual persons form the Body of the Christ through their differences (diversities). As a human body functions best when all of its body parts function well and in harmony with other body parts, so, too, does Jesus' Body. Unfortunately, interdenominational and even intradenominational bickering and apostasies have made Jesus' Body riddled with cancers, scars, bleeding wounds, and pus-filled boils.
DEFINITION OF COMMUNION.
“Communion” originates in Latin and comes into the English language through Old French. The word means an “act of sharing among people, as though one.”
OTHER NAMES FOR COMMUNION .
Different denominations have created synonyms for Communion, a few of which include: Mass, the Eucharist, the Sacrament, the Holy Sacrament, the Lord's Supper, Oblation, and Sacramental Manduction. SEE Roman Catholic doctrine concerning the Eucharist* in the Roman Catholic Catechism. [* “Eucharist,” from the Greek = “Thanksgiving”]
| SIDELIGHT. Toward the end of His ministry, Jesus seemed discouraged. Yes, Jesus experienced the same emotions that we feel. It was prophesied of Him (Isaiah 53:3a): He [the Christ] is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. In a state of reflection, this Man of Sorrows prayed a lonely, wishful prayer to Father God. Read this prayer in John 17:1-26. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one (would be in communion), as He and the Father were One (see John 17:11). Communion is one way Jesus' followers may become as one with each other and as one with Him. Now is the time to join ranks and become as one within the Body of the Christ. The last days, which surely must be fast approaching, are most hazardous times. Jesus warned that “many” will turn from faith and betray and hate their brothers and sisters (see Matthew 24:10, etc.). The Apostle Paul warned of perilous times (see 2 Timothy 3:1), and he warned of followers who would refuse to listen to sound doctrine but whose “itching ears” would hear only false teachers (see 2 Timothy 4:3-4). Paul also taught that Jesus would not return until there first occurs a “falling away” (see 2 Thessalonians 2:3). [“Falling away” translates the Greek apostasia. This compound noun, apostasia, literally means “standing away from,” and is the word from which the English “apostasy” is derived.] We are advised to congregate together to stir up love and good works and to exhort one another (see Hebrews 10:24-25). Communion is one way of drawing closer to God, as Asaph sang (Psalm 73:28): But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works. Draw near to Jesus' Communion table, and declare the good gifts God has bestowed upon you. |
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES.
Before continuing to study Communion, consider two background Scriptures:
(1) The Suffering Servant (Isaiah, chapter 53). God told His prophet Isaiah about a Messiah, who would come many years after Isaiah's life. [The Messiah = from the Hebrew HaMashiach = same as the Greek ho Christos {the Christ} = “the Anointed One of God” = Jesus.] Careful reading led centuries of Jewish rabbis to believe that two Messiahs were prophesied— a peaceful Messiah (HaMashiach ben Josef— the Messiah, Son of Joseph [the patriarch Joseph, not Mary's husband]) and a warrior Messiah (HaMashiach ben David— the Messiah, Son of David). We now know there is only one Messiah, Jesus, who first came a little more than 2,000 years ago, and who will come a second time in the future. In this remarkable prophecy, Isaiah prophesied that the Suffering Servant would:
• Be despised and rejected by men (see Isaiah 53:3). Jesus was reviled by many and crucified to silence His “heresy.” Many Jews at the time considered that Jesus deserved the Passion. [“Passion” = the suffering and death of Jesus]
• Bear our griefs (see Isaiah 53:4). Jesus now sits at Father God's right hand, serving as our High Priest and Mediator.
• Suffer a series of wounds (see Isaiah 53:5). Isaiah's description of wounds accurately, precisely foretold the stigmata of Jesus' crucifixion. Interestingly, crucifixion was not in use in Israel at the time Isaiah wrote his prophecy (ca 700-680 BC), but would be introduced by the Romans in time for Jesus' crucifixion.
• Appear silent before His oppressors (see Isaiah 53:7). Jesus did not answer or argue against the charges brought against Him, when He stood before Pilate (see Matthew 27:12).
• Be taken away and killed (see Isaiah 53:8). Jesus was moved outside of Jerusalem's walls to Golgotha for the crucifixion.
• Be assigned a grave with the wicked and the rich after death (see Isaiah 53:9). A rich man, Joseph of Arimathea, begged Pilate for Jesus' body and laid Him in a new tomb, a tomb intended for himself (see Matthew 27:57-60).
• Be numbered with the transgressors (see Isaiah 53:12). Jesus was crucified between two criminals. In the following text of this guide, you will read that each Israelite family painted its doorframe with three tavs (cross-like letters) with lamb's blood to protect its members from death on the first Passover. That Passover death was the First Death— death of the physical body— but faith in Jesus protects against the Second Death— death of the soul.
(2) The Wedding at Cana in Galilee. See John 2:1-11. Jesus performed His first miracle at this wedding. This miracle had to be His first, because it foretold His future ministry and anounced that His ministry was intended primarily to change Old Covenant doctrine (symbolized by sin purified by water) to New Covenant doctrine (symbolized by sin purified by Jesus' shed blood). As impressive as Jesus' healing of blind and crippled persons and other miracles may be, His true mission was to die (to shed His blood) for the sins of mankind. This mission was announced and emphasized at the wedding in Cana. Understand these points:
• It is fitting that Jesus' first miracle would take place at a wedding (see John 2:1ff). He is called the Bridegroom, and His followers are His bride. The final step in joining Jesus with His followers will culminate in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 19:7-9, including 19:9a): Then he [an angel] said to me [John], “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'” If you have reservations for this marriage, you are indeed blessed.
• A first century Jewish marriage ceremony lasted for days, and the host was expected to furnish in abundance the symbol of joy for the marriage— wine. A social catastrophe occurred in this Cana wedding— the host family ran out of wine (see John 2:3). SEE APPENDIX A, FOLLOWING IN TABLE WITH GREEN BACKGROUND, FOR THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FIRST-CENTURY JEWISH WEDDING AND JESUS' MINISTRY.
• Interestingly, Jesus' mother, Mary, was informed of this predicament, and she referred the problem to Jesus (see John 2:3-4). Roman Catholics consider Mary as a Co-redemptrix and Mediatrix, sharing these positions with Jesus. This passage clearly demonstrates a hierarchy of power (or else, Mary would have handled the situation by herself).
• John informs us that there were six waterpots of the type used by the Jews for ceremonial (ritual) bathing (see John 2:6). Possibly significant is this: in Jewish numeral symbology, six is considered to be the number of man because man was created on the sixth day (see Genesis 1:26-31). God was ready to shower mankind with yet another gift— a better gift.
• A more important reason for discussing the waterpots is that water was used in ancient Jewish ceremonial bathing, as bathing in a mikveh, to wash sins ritualistically from a person. These waterpots symbolized Old Testament doctrine.
• Jesus commanded the servants to fill the pots with water (see John 2:7).
• Jesus directed that the “water” be tasted, but the “water” was found to be the best wine imaginable (see John 2:8-10). This miracle announced to Jesus' disciples, then, and to us, now, that He came to fulfill and advance God's old covenants, based in part on water cleansing, with a New Covenant doctrine, based on His blood sacrifice. No longer would water suffice to wash away sins. After Jesus, sins could be washed away only through faith in the shedding of the precious blood of our perfect Passover Lamb, Jesus the Christ.
SACRIFICES ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE TO GOD.
God apparently began planning Jesus' sin-atonement sacrifice from the beginning of mankind's history. The first humans recorded in the Bible were Adam and Eve* (see Genesis 2:7, 22).
| *SIDELIGHT. This sidelight detour may seem unrelated, but we who follow Jesus are often ridiculed in society. We may not like criticisms we receive from portions of society, but criticism will follow us. And, the origin of some criticism is self-inflicted. Modern education is secular humanistic, carefully avoiding anything related to a deity (especially, the Judeo-Christian God). The “Bible” for secular humanists is Charles Darwin's On The Origin of the Species (published 1859). Darwin theorized a mechanism for spontaneous development and evolution of life, which occurred naturally, free of any involvement of a creator. The Big Bang Theory and other notions of “science” have made creationists, who believe in God, to be regarded as ignorant and deserving of ridicule. I wish to make a couple of points that may make your faith stronger:
(1) Six days of creation: Many staunchly hold to the six days of creation because the Authorized King James Version of the Book of Genesis says so. However, scientists claim the age of the Universe to be billions of years. Who is right? Both can be right. Looking at the Hebrew text, we see that “day” translates the Hebrew yom. Yom can be translated “day” (example: Yom Kippur = Day of Atonement). It can be translated with equal accuracy as an unspecified length of time (even hundreds of millions of years). We have the same linguistic problem in English. Consider “back in the day.” Which day is meant? This phrase means a time of unspecified length in the past, rather than a specific 24-hour day. (2) Adam and Eve: Many make the mistake of claiming Adam and Eve were the first humans created by Elohim (God). This erroneous interpretation places Christians at odds with the scientific community, and creates an unnecessary barrier to their faith in Jesus. There is no Scriptural claim that God created a new physical man in Adam (that Adam was the first man). Incidentally, Adam, coming directly from the Hebrew Adam, pronounced ä-däm', translates to "Man." Rather, we read (Genesis 1:26a, our underlining): Then God [Elohim] said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;....” It could be that there were many humanoids (Neanderthals, etc.) that existed in a world before Adam and Eve, as scientists claim, until one day God (Elohim) chose one of them to be given God's image. What is the image of God? Creator God (God the Father) has no physical form, existing only as a spiritual form. When God gave Adam “His image,” He gave him an eternal spirit (which we commonly call “soul”). Why did God take a rib from Adam to create Eve? God entered into a covenant with mankind. God's covenants commonly involved division of an animal, which resulted in shedding of blood. For another reason, Adam, previously given God's eternal spirit, became (borrowing from modern medical parlance) a “soul donor” for Eve. After receiving God's spirit, something like “God's spiritual DNA” resided in Adam's body (including the rib). Eve inherited eternal life from donor Adam, as have all generations of humans who have come from this first union of Adam and Eve. Faith and science commonly complement each other, if we take time to understand both. |
Cain and Abel: Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel (see Genesis 4:1). Cain “worked the soil” — that is, he was a farmer— and Abel “kept flocks” — that is, he was a herdsman (see Genesis 4:2).
Both brothers built altars to worship God. Cain offered his sacrifice, “the fruits of the ground.” Abel offered his sacrifice, “the firstborn of his flock and of their fat” (see Genesis 4:3-4).
The pattern for acceptable sacrifices: God respected Abel and his offering, but did not respect Cain and his offering (see Genesis 4:4-5). Abel's offering required the slaying of animals and the shedding of their blood. Abel's acceptable sacrifice established a pattern for Jesus' offering of His blood on Golgotha's cross.
Almost all Israelite/ Jewish sacrifices required animal sacrifices. Later, it was written (Hebrews 9:22, my underlining): And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. (“Remission,” here, means forgiveness of sin.)
The Israelites/ Jews sacrificed millions of animals. These sacrifices became devoid of meaning, and were viewed as little more than a religious tax. Pharisees at the time of Jesus made an intellectual “game” of the Law, rather than worshiping God with the heart. Animal sacrifices were part of that “game.” Eventually, it would be written about the futility of ancient animal sacrifice practices and the need for a perfect Sacrifice, Jesus (Hebrews 9:11-15 || 27-28, my underlining): But [Christ] came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of [Christ], who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. |...| And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so [Christ] was offered once* to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
| *SIDELIGHT. Note the word “once,” in this verse. If you see a cross in a place of worship, you can tell whether that place is Catholic or Protestant. Catholics usually portray Jesus nailed to the cross (a crucifix), whereas Protestants usually portray an empty cross. This passage— indicating that Jesus was offered once (only once) to bear the sins of many— is one reason Protestants display only an empty cross. Jesus' one-time sacrifice has been completed, and no one else is worthy to duplicate His sacrifice. |
The perfect sacrifice was Jesus. John the Baptizer recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:36): And looking at [Jesus] as He walked, [John] said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The Apostle John referred to Jesus as “the Lamb” in approximately twenty-five verses in the Book of Revelation. Other Scriptural references refer to Jesus as our Passover Lamb (examples: see 1 Corinthians 5:7 and John 1:29). Comparison of the Passover lamb of Moses' time (Exodus) and Jesus as the Passover Lamb (New Testament) is an excellent comparison. In Moses' time, faith in the blood sacrifice of the Passover lamb protected against the First Death (death of the physical body). After institution of the New Covenant, faith in the blood sacrifice of the Passover Lamb, Jesus, protects against the Second Death (death of the eternal soul).
GOD'S USE OF COMMUNION-LIKE MEALS TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Background. God planned/ will plan meals utilizing bread and/or wine seven times. Major announcement were usually associated with these meals. These Communion-like meals include:
• First announcement: Abraham's descendants (Israelites/ Jews/ Christians) would be a called, believing people, entitled to inherit eventually the land of Israel. (See Genesis 14:18-201 –AND– Psalm 110:1-2, -6a1 –AND– Hebrews 7:1-3,3 discussed below.)
1 Consider the Genesis 14 passage: Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the God Most High, brought bread and wine to share with Abram (Abraham). Melchizedek blessed Abram. Abram tithed to Melchizedek. Since Salem is derived from the Hebrew Shalom (“Peace”), this city-kingdom may be considered the City of Peace. “The King of Salem,” literally the “King of Peace,” is very similar to a title given Jesus— “the Prince of Peace.” Salem's name was incorporated into the name of God's Holy City, Jerusalem. Many Bible scholars suggest Melchizedek was an example of a Christophany. A “Christophany” is a visible manifestation of the Christ (the Messiah) at a time other than during Jesus' earthly ministry. Several Christophany examples are present in the Bible. Melchizedek blessed Abram. Could Abram have been discouraged and possibly fearful during his journey from Ur? Did Melchizedek (the Messiah?) appear to Abram for encouragement... to be shown what would happen in the future... to assure him that a great movement of faith would come from him?
2 Consider the Psalm 110 passage: This powerful Messianic promise is interesting, in that it begins, The LORD said to my Lord.... Did God absentmindedly repeat Himself? No. “LORD” translates Yehovah, the ineffable (unutterable), formal name of Almighty God. “Lord” translates Adon, or Lord. Could this verse be another way of establishing the Father-Son relationship in the Holy Trinity? In this psalm, it was established that Messiah would come out of Zion (Israel) and would rule in the midst of His enemies. God established that the Messiah would be Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. Did Melchizedek reveal His identity as the future Messiah, who would come from the lineage of Abraham, at this first sharing of bread and wine?
3 Consider the Hebrews 7 passage: This passage reiterates certain aspects of Melchizedek, a most interesting person in the Bible. Note that Melchizedek shares some features of the Messiah (having neither beginning nor end, made like the Son of God, and remaining a priest forever). If Melchizedek is not a Christophany (a physical appearance of the Messiah), then he surely represents a type of (revelation of, foreshadow of, promise of, rehearsal for) Jesus.
Recall that Messiah Jesus came to the world to fulfill three offices:
(1) Prophet: Jesus prophesied the future (example: the Olivet Discourse, in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 17, 21). With His death, He no longer functioned as a prophet. With His Second Coming, all prophecy will end because He is the complete and perfect fulfillment of prophecy (see 1 Corinthians 13:10).
(2) Priest: Jesus now sits at the Father's right hand as our High Priest, serving as our Intercessor before God. Jesus will remain Priest during the Millennial Kingdom. He will not be Priest in New Jerusalem (Heaven), however, because we will not have need for a priest or temple (see Revelation 21:22).
(3) Prince: Jesus came as Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6) during His First Advent (First Coming). When He returns in the future during His Second Advent (Second Coming), He will be King of kings and Lord of lords (see Revelation 19:16).
•Second announcement: God called a people to be His and to occupy a specific land; God foretold a future Redeemer. (See Exodus 12:1-3, 5-15, 17, 21-28.) After 430 years living outside of Canaan (that is, living in Goshen in Egypt's Nile Delta), some of which time was spent in slavery, God led His people out of bondage and toward the land He had established by Covenant for them (Canaan, or present-day Israel). The Passover meal (unleavened bread) is discussed elsewhere in this study guide. Jesus' crucifixion and establishment of the New Covenant through shedding of the blood of our Passover Lamb, Jesus, was foretold in these passages and is discussed elsewhere in this guide.
•Third announcement: God's people must live by His laws and commandments. (See Exodus 24:9-12.) Moses and seventy elders of Israel went to a mountaintop to meet with the God of Israel. There, “they ate and drank” (bread and wine?). Then, God took Moses higher on the mountain, and gave him tablets of stone containing the laws and commandments for the people of Israel.
•Fourth announcement: Jesus came to announce the New Covenant. (See Luke 2:1-3, 6-11.) Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana is discussed elsewhere in this guide. At this marriage feast, Jesus, who is called our “Bridegroom,” changed water (symbol of Old Covenant purification rituals) into wine (symbol of New Covenant purification by the blood sacrifice of Jesus).
•Fifth announcement: Jesus announced the New Covenant. (See Matthew 26:20, 26-28 –AND– Mark, chapter 14 –AND– Luke, chapter 22; also, 1 Corinthians 11:26.) Shortly before His death, Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples at a Passover Seder, using these elements to teach of His death for the sins of mankind and to announce the New Covenant. This event is summarized elsewhere in this guide.
•Sixth announcement: The New Covenant is presently in force and is re-validated with each Communion. (See Luke 24:30, 35 –AND– Acts 2:42, 45-47a.) Communion was meant to be more than a single event during a Seder just before Jesus' death. Jesus instructed us to perform Communion “in remembrance of Me” (see Luke 22:19 and 1 Corinthians 11:24-32). Believers in the first congregation in Jerusalem may have celebrated Communion daily (Acts 2:42,46-47a, my underlining): And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. |...| So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people....
•Seventh announcement: The Bridegroom Jesus will marry His bride: Jesus will celebrate Communion in Paradise, at which time He will be eternally wed to His bride (the collective Body of Believers/ Christians). (See Revelation 19:6-9a.) SEE APPENDIX A, FOLLOWING, FOR THIS FUTURE EVENT.
JESUS' MODEL FOR OUR COMMUNION — A MEAL MODELED AFTER A MEAL.
The model for the Communion meal is the first Passover meal. Some scholars date this Passover at 1528 BC (more than 3,500 years ago).
Israelite history in brief: Read Israelites' history in Exodus. Joseph, son of Jacob, was sold into slavery in Egypt by jealous brothers. Because Joseph received from God a gift of being able to prophesy the future through dream interpretation, he eventually gained favor with the Egyptian pharaoh. The pharaoh was troubled by dreams— seven fat heads of grain, followed by seven heads empty of grain and seven fat, well-fed cows, followed by seven gaunt, starving cows. With God's guidance, Joseph prophesied that Egypt would have seven years of abundant crops, followed by seven years of devastating crop failures. Pharaoh built granaries throughout the land, and stored the abundant grain harvests to be able to feed his people during the future famine. Joseph's family— parents, siblings, and siblings' families— came to Egypt to purchase grain during the famine. Joseph recognized his family, and was reunited with them. Because Egypt was saved from starvation, a grateful pharaoh gave Joseph's family rich pasture land in Goshen (part of the Nile delta).
Changed tides of fortune: Joseph's family lived in Egypt's Goshen for more than four centuries. The Israelites prospered. They grew numerous in number, their livestock increased, and they became wealthy. However, they did not assimilate into the Egyptian culture. They spoke a different language (Hebrew, rather than the native tongue) and they worshiped a different God (Jehovah, rather than the Egyptian pantheon). Pharaoh feared that these strange people might rebel against him.
To crush the Israelites' spirit and cause them to become so fatigued they would pose no threat, he enslaved them and made them work long hours at nearly impossible tasks.
The Israelites cried out to God. God raised up an unlikely team— Moses, advancing in age and lacking verbal communication skills, and his brother Aaron. Moses went to pharaoh, demanding, “Let my people go.” Pharaoh, desiring the Israelites' labor, refused. God sent nine plagues against Egypt, but pharaoh was unmoved. God's tenth plague involved the death of the firstborn of every family which had no faith in Him. This plague broke the pharaoh's will, and the Israelites were hastily evicted from Egypt.
As time approached for the exodus from Egypt, God instructed the Israelites to make certain preparations— preparations which would save them from death when God “passed over” the land in judgment. (This passing over the land is the origin of the English “Passover” or the Hebrew Pesach.) These preparations, with deep cultural and religious overtones, are still observed as part of Passover, the Passover Seder, and beliefs of Jews and Christians, which are summarized in the following table:
| COMPONENT | FIRST PASSOVER | PRESENT OBSERVANCE/ SIGNIFICANCE |
| A lamb was slaughtered. | Each family slaughtered a defect-free yearling lamb, outside of its home. | ✝ Jesus came as a sinless Lamb.
✝ Jesus was crucified (slaughtered) outside of Jerusalem's walls. |
| Doorposts and the lintel of each Israelites' home were painted with the slain lamb's blood. | Blood from the slaughtered lamb gathered in the kaph, a shallow drainage ditch in front of the door. With a branch of hyssop, a paintbrush-like plant, both doorposts and the lintel (total of three structures) were painted with the blood. Non-biblical, but traditional sources state the letter tav was painted on these structures. In paleo-Hebrew letters in use at the time of Moses, tav appeared as two crossed lines ( ✗ ), resembling something between an English “X” and a Roman cross. | ✝ Jesus came as a sinless Lamb.
✝ Jesus was crucified (slaughtered) outside of Jerusalem's walls. ✝ Jesus' shed blood became the means whereby the sins of mankind can be forgiven, if accepted through faith. ✝ Jesus was crucified in a group of three men— two criminals and Himself. “Crucify” means “to make a cross.” Jesus, nailed to a cross, resembled somewhat the tav letters painted centuries earlier on the doorframes of Israelite homes. |
| Any family sheltered behind a blood-painted doorway that evening was protected from death. | Any family which had faith in what must have seemed a ridiculous act (painting lamb's blood on the doorframe) would be saved from death (the First Death— death of the physical body) on the Passover evening.
✝ Any person who has faith in what must seem a ridiculous act (believing in a “dead Man” for forgiveness of sin and eternal life) will be found not guilty at Judgment and saved from death (the Second Death— death of the soul throughout eternity). |
✝ Jesus came as a sinless Lamb.
✝ Jesus was crucified (slaughtered) outside of Jerusalem's walls. |
The family ate roasted lamb, bitter green herbs, and unleavened bread in great haste the evening of the first Passover. Because the Israelites were required to eat hurriedly and leave on a moment's notice, leavened (yeast-risen) bread could not be baked. Only a paste of flour and water hurriedly baked over an open fire could be eaten.
Following the original meal and continuing to this day, only unleavened (yeast-free, unrisen) bread— matzo— is eaten. One of the Feasts of Israel (Feast of Unleavened Bread) is observed because of this feature. Rabbis taught that leavening (yeast) can be viewed as a metaphor for sin, because: yeast-risen bread is puffed up, just as a sinful life is puffed up |...| yeast-risen bread is sour and bitter (think of sourdough bread), just as a sinful life is sour and bitter |...| and yeast-risen bread spoils due to its dead yeast cells, just as a sinful life spoils and decays.
THE NEW COVENANT COMMUNION MEAL.
Just hours before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered His disciples for a Passover Seder. This Seder began as a traditional Jewish celebration, but, before its completion, evolved into a meal that changed the direction of faith of the nations. Jesus, surely knowing in advance the reason for this meal, made preparations. This Seder, also known as “the Lord's Supper,” is described in all Gospels, including Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-39, and John 13:1 – 17:26.
Our most important meal... until we dine with Jesus in Paradise: Our most important Communion will be at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. This meal is discussed elsewhere in this guide. The next most important Communion (Seder) occurred at Passover in approximately AD 33.
Jesus gathered His disciples to partake of this meal. As devout Jews, they would happily observe a Passover Seder. See Matthew 26:20, 26-28 –AND– Mark, chapter 14 –AND– Luke, chapter 22 for the Gospel account of this meal. A full meal was served, but Jesus used two items present on the table that evening to teach His disciples (and us) about His earthly mission. These items were unleavened bread (matzo) and wine (fruit of the vine). Consider these two items:
BREAD — THE SYMBOL OF GOD'S PROVISION.
Background. Consider the logistical problems facing Moses, as he led the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Two Scriptural references indicate the large number of Israelites present in the journey— “about six-hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children” (see Exodus 12:37-38) and “603,550 men aged 20 and above” (see Numbers 1:46).
It goes without saying that the wilderness had no restaurants, grocery stores, food warehouses, or food supply lines. Hunger would have set in early, and Moses may have had doubts he could lead such a large number of people without food.
The Israelites were accustomed to God providing their needs. Two examples are: (1) Food was given to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (see Genesis 9:3). (2) God tested Abraham's faith by ordering him to commit an unspeakable act of killing his only son, Isaac. God instead provided a sacrificial ram caught in the thicket (see Genesis 22:13-14). Thereafter, a name for God became Yehovah yireh (“God will provide”).
Manna: After the Israelites soon used up any provisions they may have carried from Egypt, the cruelty of hunger set in (Exodus 16:3): And the children of Israel said to [Moses and Aaron], “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Moses needed Yehovah yireh to provide for His people. And, Jehovah provided! God solved the problem of hunger in the supernatural form of manna (Exodus 16:4, my underlining): Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.” Note that God called manna “bread.” During the forty years' wandering in the wilderness, God fed the Israelites with manna six days each week, with a double portion on the day before Shabbat (the Sabbath). The Israelites remained well fed through God's grace. God provided, and manna— later bread— became the symbol of God's provision.
“I am the Bread of life:” God chose to replace physical bread (manna) with spiritual Bread (Jesus). When time for the Christ to come to earth, He was born in a little village in Judah (Bethlehem), which was significant for four reasons:
(1) Rachel— wife of Jacob (Israel) and mother of two of the Patriarchs, Joseph and Benjamin— was buried at Bethlehem (see Genesis 35:19).
(2) David was born in Bethlehem (see Luke 2:4). As explained elsewhere in this guide, a Messianic title for Jesus is “Son of David.” In the Millennial Kingdom (yet to come), Jesus will occupy David's throne in the Third Jewish Temple, from which He will rule the entire world.
(3) Prophecies foretold the Christ's birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2): “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
(4) Jesus was born in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2:1). “Bethlehem” is derived from the Hebrew Beyth Lechem (“House of Bread”). Jesus said of Himself (John 6:35c): … “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger,....” … Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.… Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol,* and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole. The place was called the Valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the men of Israel cut down there. [* Hebrew Eshcol = “cluster”] The significance of this portion of the report is that the promised land flowing with milk and honey also produced grapes in abundance. Now, the Israelites no longer lived in harsh desert conditions, which could not support grape (wine) production, but they now lived in a fertile land, which supported grape culture. Wine could be fermented. The Israelites, experiencing the joy of being home at last, knew that God's promises had been kept. Wine, then, became the symbol of joy and fulfilled promise.
YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE NEW COVENANT PASSOVER SEDER.
Scriptural basis. Passover is one of the seven Feasts of Israel. These feasts are: (1) Passover, (2) Unleavened Bread, (3) Firstfruits, (4) ”Weeks” (Shavuot), (5) Day of Trumpets (Yom Teruah), (6) Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and (7) Booths/ Tabernacles/ Ingathering (Sukkot).
Jesus and His disciples were devout Jews. As the time of Jesus' sacrifice fast approached, He desired to celebrate one final Seder with His disciples. [Hebrew Seder = a set, ritualistic meal to worship God and recount His freeing of Israelites from Egyptian bondage.] Similar passages are read in Mark, chapter 14 and Luke, chapter 22, but I quote Matthew 26:20, 26-28: When evening had come, [Jesus] sat down with the twelve [disciples]. |...| And as they were eating, [Jesus] took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. “For this is My blood of the new covenant,* which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
| * SIDELIGHT. A covenant is a formal agreement between two parties, something like a contract between God and man. There have been eight covenants. In these covenants, God declared a legal agreement between Himself and mankind. In Jewish symbol interpretation of numbers, eight is the number of completion. The number eight is appropriate for the New Covenant, as no additional covenants are expected.
Many covenants are unconditional for God, wherein God agrees to do something for mankind even though mankind may break the human part of the contract. God cannot break His part of the covenant. If He solemnly agrees to do something but does not do it, He would become a liar. If God should lie, would He continue to be holy? (That is, would a lying God still be God?) The eight covenants are: (1) Edenic Covenant (see Genesis 2:15). God created certain rights for humans, while establishing in return certain responsibilities for man. Mankind would rule the earth and its creatures, populate and fill the earth, and refrain from eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (2) Adamic Covenant (see Genesis 3:15). God explained conditions under which mankind must live until the redemption of the earth in the Millennial Kingdom. God's judgments were tempered with mercy. God cursed the snake (symbolic of Satan) — but, according to God's mercy, the snake was not exterminated, only relegated to a lowered status. The ground was cursed— but, according to God's mercy, the ground would still yield food, with man's labor. Women were cursed with pain during childbirth— but, according to God's mercy, this pain is forgotten when women experience the joy of seeing their babies (see John 16:21). Mankind would no longer be immortal, but would die— but, according to God's mercy, God sent a Redeemer through the woman's seed (the Redeemer is the Messiah Jesus, the Son of Man) to save mankind from eternal death to be raised to eternal life. God foretold the rise of the seed of Satan— the Antichrist— who would seemingly have temporary victory over Jesus (at the crucifixion), but, according to God's mercy, Jesus will ultimately defeat the Unholy Trinity (Satan, Antichrist, and False Prophet) by casting them alive into the Lake of Fire (Hell). (3) The Noahic Covenant (see Genesis 9:8). This covenant re-established the Adamic Covenant after “Noah's flood.” Man was originally intended to live in a theocracy (God-ruled government), but human governments were now permitted to manage the affairs of mankind, including the duty to protect human life. The covenant confirmed the seasons, permitted the killing of animals for food, and instilled fear of humans in animals. Division of instructions were given to Noah's sons— Canaan's (Ham's) descendants would serve their brothers; Japheth's sons' lineage would expand; and Shem's sons would serve the Lord (including becoming the ancestors of Jesus, as Son of Man). God sealed this covenant with a rainbow as His promise never again to destroy mankind with a flood or increase the severity of the original curse on the ground. (4) The Abrahamic Covenant (see Genesis 15:4). This covenant declared sovereign God's choice to bless Israel and, through the Messiah, to bless the nations of the world. Abraham was promised innumerable descendants, with many blessings coming through his descendants. (Abraham and Sarah misunderstood this promise, and sought to “help God” by having an unintended son, Ishmael, by the concubine Hagar. Later, the promised son, Isaac, was born to Sarah. Through Abraham and Sarah, and their only son Isaac, hundreds of millions of Jews and Christians have come— truly the promised great multitude.) (5) The Mosaic Covenant (see Exodus 19:5). This covenant expanded the Abrahamic Covenant. God promised to make the nation of Israel His chosen people. In exchange for this honor, these people were required to obey God's commandments, judgments, and ordinances in order that they might better understand God's righteousness and will for their lives. God's Law— His delineation of spiritual life and life rules— has been likened to Israel's schoolteacher. (6) The Palestinian Covenant (see Deuteronomy 30:1-10). This covenant established God's conditions for Israel's occupation of the Promised Land. Blessings for obedience and punishments for disobedience were declared. Israel's rebellion against God would result in the nation's removal from the land, but God's mercy declared that the people would eventually be restored to the Promised Land (ancient Canaan). The final return (Aliyah) began in May, 1948. Israel has never fully occupied the land given to the Jewish people. Full restoration (full occupation) will not occur until the Christ returns in the future. (7) The Davidic Covenant (see 2 Samuel 7:16). This covenant extended God's promises to Israel (the Palestinian and Abrahamic Covenants). David's throne was eternally established. David's descendants would rule his kingdom forever. The Christ (a future promise at that time) would come from David's lineage and would eventually rule Israel from David's throne. In brief: David would have a son, Solomon (see 2 Samuel 7:12), who would expand David's kingdom. Solomon would build the First Jewish Temple (see 2 Samuel 7:13 and 2 Chronicles 6:7-12). Solomon's throne would be established forever (see 2 Samuel 7:13). God would chastise Solomon for any sin, but He would not remove him from God's love (see 2 Samuel 7:4-15). David's house, kingdom, and throne would be established forever (see 2 Samuel 7:16). This promise will not be completely fulfilled until Jesus returns to rule the earth (during the Millennial Kingdom). During the reign of the Christ, He will sit on David's throne in the as-yet-to-be-built Third Jewish Temple. The genealogy of Jesus, as Son of Man, includes David as an ancestor (see Matthew 1:6). “Son of David” is used as a Messianic title for Jesus multiple times (see Matthew 1:1, 9:27, 12:23, 15:22, 20:30-31, 21:9, 21:15, 22:42 AND Mark 10:47-48, 12:35 AND Luke 18:38-39). ✝✝✝ (8) The New Covenant (see Hebrews 8:8-12). The New Covenant was promised throughout the Old Testament, was previewed at Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana, and was declared in Jesus' Communion meal with His disciples at a Passover Seder only hours prior to His crucifixion. This Covenant is the eighth and final of God's covenants. (Recall that the number eight in Jewish symbology indicates completeness or finality.) This covenant is based on God's unconditional promise that all sin can be forgiven through faith in the one-time sacrifice of Jesus the Christ on the cross. This covenant assures the people Israel that they will remain God's chosen people and that He will transform their sinful hearts into hearts of love and obedience. God promises to redeem His chosen people and gather them in a new relationship forever in their promised land. Read also Romans 11:15-29, 32. In these Romans 11 verses, Paul elegantly explained the present and future relationship of Jews (natural branches) and Christians (engrafted, wild branches) in God's olive tree (Israel). Why have there been eight covenants delivered over many centuries, rather than a single covenant delivered at one time? Do later covenants cancel the earlier covenants? As mankind has changed, God has added additional covenants. The latter covenants enhance the earlier covenants, without nullifying them. Consider an easier-to-understand illustration: Newlyweds, Bob and Mary, purchase a small house at 123 Main Street. With finances being tight, this house is a “starter” house. They add love to the house, and the house becomes a home. Although they love their home, children arrive over the next few years and they need more space. They add bedrooms and bathrooms... enlarge and modernize the kitchen... build outdoor entertainment spaces (pool? deck? screened porch?)... and so forth. At the time of retirement forty years later, Bob and Mary still live at 123 Main Street, but their “starter” house is now a much larger and improved home. The same wedded couple live at the same street address, but they live in a bigger and better house. God has improved and enlarged early Judaism, making room for Christians of various denominations and accommodating different needs and conditions. In expanding Judaism to accept more of His children living in more complicated societies, He has never forgotten the Jews to whom the Torah was first given. God has merely enlarged His family to incorporate many different children. |
THE BREAD.
Corporate Communion is best experienced if worshipers break and eat matzo (unleavened bread), as have generations of Christians since the first church in Jerusalem, rather than the little wafrers so popular now. Consider the symbolism of this bread:
Matzo is the simplest bread that can be prepared— a baked flour and water paste. This simplicity is a perfect symbolic formula for Jesus: wheat flour from the earth represents the Son of Man; water, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, represents the Son of God; absence of yeast (a metaphor for sin) represents Jesus' sinless life; and the perforated, charred bread acquired during the baking process represents the tortured life of Jesus. More of the symbolic nature of matzo follows.
Responsibility: As a Christian breaks and eats the bread, he/ she should acknowledge silently or aloud, “My sins broke the Body of Jesus.”
THE FRUIT OF THE VINE.
Christians drink “wine” (the fruit of the vine) during Communion. Look at the blood-red color of the juice, a symbol of the blood shed by our Passover Lamb, Jesus, on a cross, nearly two millennia ago.
Responsibility: As a Christian drinks from his/ her cup, he/ she should acknowledge silently or aloud, “My sins shed the blood of Jesus. His blood covers my sins, which have been nailed to His cross. My garment, soiled by sin, will be washed perfectly white by His blood, that I may become His bride free of spot, wrinkle, or blemish. Thank you, Jesus, for being my New Covenant sacrifice.”
ARE THERE PERSONS WHO SHOULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNION?
Yes. Self-examination is required. The Apostle Paul warned that each person should examine his/ her worthiness to participate in Communion (1 Corinthians 11:27-29): Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. Since Paul does not define unworthiness, it is up to each person to determine whether he/ she is worthy.
| SIDELIGHT. Some denominations have the penalty of excommunication. This penalty is most commonly associated with the Roman Catholic Church. “Excommunication” means “away from Communion.” An excommunicated Catholic cannot participate in the observance of the Eucharist. Excommunication, a complicated process, is summarized at this SITE. Excommunication may be imposed upon a person found guilty of receiving an abortion or participating in performance of an abortion; apostasy; heresy; schism; violating the sacred species; physically attacking the Pope; sacramentally absolving an accomplice in a sexual sin; consecrating a bishop without authorization; and directly violating the seal of confession. |
YOUR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNION IN A PLACE OF WORSHIP.
Corporate worship: When you participate in Communion in a place of worship, you are doing so in a corporate setting. [“Corporate” = “unified body;” here, acting as one people in the Body of Christ.] Consider the significance of your participation:
Assembly: Understand:
Assembling together as Christians follows desires of the Scriptures (see Hebrews 10:24-25). In reality, you are gathered around Jesus' dining table to eat a sacred meal with Him, which is the closest we can come in this life to eating at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in the future Paradise.
EATING THE BREAD.
Observe and understand:
Unleavened bread, ideally a sheet of matzo, will be passed to you and the other guests at Jesus' table. Observe the matzo, carefully. Understand the reason Jesus used this simple bread to represent His body:
• Matzo is a homely bread. If you host a dinner party, you would serve hot, fluffy, tasty, yeast-risen rolls— not matzo. Matzo is little more than a cracker. Jesus came as a plain Man, to attract us to His words and not His appearance (Isaiah 53:2): … [the Christ] has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.
• Commercially prepared
… Elsewhere in this guide, I have discussed the recipe for matzo, which represents the nature of Jesus— flour (from wheat of the earth = Son of Man) || water, (symbol of the Holy Spirit = Son of God) || no yeast (symbol of Jesus' sin-free life) || baking over a hot fire (trials and sorrows endured by Jesus).
… See the tiny holes in the
… See the scorch marks from the hot griddle (Isaiah 53:5b): … [the Christ] was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Jesus was beaten, mercilessly whipped with a Roman flagellum, and suffered other traumatic wounds. See Gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion.
• Break a piece of matzo, as Jesus instructed His disciples (see Matthew 26:26, Mark 14:22, Luke 22;19, and 1 Corinthians 11:24). As you break the thin, brittle matzo, notice how it offers no resistance (Isaiah 53:7): [The Christ] was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.
ACKNOWLEDGING JESUS' SACRIFICE WITH GRATITUDE. Breaking and eating the matzo, symbolic of Jesus' body, is a serious act.
• As you break the matzo, understand that Jesus was not crucified by Pilate, Jewish religious zealots, or Roman soldiers. He was crucified by YOUR SINS. Acknowledge that you, because of your sins, beat Jesus, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and nailed His wrists and feet to a cross. Silently or softly aloud, pray: “Jesus' body was broken because of my sins.”
• Join others in praying a blessing for Jesus' sacrifice (various ancient Hebrew prayers begin, Baruch atah Adonai...).
• Eat the matzo with others at the Lord's table, as Jesus commanded (Matthew 26:26): And as they were eating, [Jesus] took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” SEE photograph of commercially baked matzo.
DRINKING THE “WINE.”
Understand:
• Drinking the fruit of the vine, representing Jesus' blood, is a serious act.
• Containers of fruit of the vine (“wine,” or commonly grape juice) will be passed to you and the other guests at Jesus' table.
• As you take your “cup,” understand Jesus was not crucified by Pilate, Jewish religious zealots, or Roman soldiers. He died for YOU. Acknowledge that you, because of your sins, pierced and nailed Jesus to the cross, spilling His precious blood. Silently or softly aloud, pray: “Jesus' blood was shed because of my sins.” Be thankful that your salvation has nailed your sins to that cross to be covered by Jesus' blood (Colossians 2:14b): … And [Jesus] has taken [legalistic requirements for sin forgiveness] out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
• Join others in praying a blessing for Jesus' sacrifice (various ancient Hebrew prayers begin, Baruch atah Adonai...).
• Drink the fruit of the vine with other guests at at the Lord's table, as Jesus commanded (Matthew 26:27-28): Then [Jesus] took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
| SIDELIGHT. You may wonder why the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke record similar accounts of Jesus' death and burial. Could it be related to a long-standing principle in Jewish law? See Deuteronomy 19:15b (my underlining): … by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established. Three witnesses— Matthew, Mark, and Luke— by reporting what they heard from God have established the truth of Jesus' crucifixion for us to read. |
THE FINAL COMMUNION IN PARADISE
Jesus' promise— strange or prophetic? A Passover Seder included four cups of wine to be drunk during the course of the meal. The cups were named according to God's promises to the Israelites in the wilderness during their exodus from Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 6:6-7:
• First cup— the cup of sanctification: Based on Exodus 6:6b: [The LORD said] “... I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians....
• Second cup— the cup of blessing: Based on Exodus 6:6c: [The LORD said] “... I will rescue you from their bondage,....”
• Third cup— the cup of redemption: Based on Exodus 6:6d: [The LORD said] “... I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.” This is the cup from which Jesus may have commented upon the red color of the wine (speculation). He did compare the wine to His blood and taught the New Covenant, that His blood would be the only sacrifice needed to wash away the sins of mankind and that this sacrifice could be accepted only by faith. Consider two Scriptures:
… (Colossians 2:14b): … And [Jesus] has taken [sin] out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Understand the picture the Apostle Paul has given us. Your sins have been nailed to Jesus' cross. As He bled from His wounds of beating and crucifixion, His blood flowed over and covered your sins. The sins are no longer visible to God the Father or to your accuser, Satan, because Jesus' blood has covered them from sight.
… (Revelation 1:5): … and from Jesus the Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,.... Each of us must appear before God as a virgin bride dressed in a spotless, unwrinkled, unblemished bridal gown (see Ephesians 5:27). No matter how hard you wish and no matter how highly you are held in esteem by others, you are a sinner (see Romans 3:23) and your bridal gown is filthy. Only Jesus' blood can cleanse the stains of sins from your gown.
• Fourth cup— the cup of acceptance: Based on Exodus 6:7a: [The LORD said] “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God.” The disciples, all familiar with the highly structured Passover Seder, were expecting Jesus to lead them in drinking this fourth cup. Jesus deviated from the expected order of service by refusing to drink wine from this cup (Matthew 26:29): [Jesus said] “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.” — AND — (Luke 22;18): [Jesus said] … “for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” The disciples could not have understood Jesus' prophetic utterance because Jesus had not yet given the Apostle John a revelation of the future. This future event will occur after the saints have been resurrected/ raptured and are in Paradise with Jesus.FN-1 Then, we saints will participate in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 19:7-9).FN-2 This supper will be associated with food and wine, and represents the final Communion.
| SIDELIGHTS. Consider these comments:
Many centuries ago (beginning in the Tenth Century), the Roman Catholic Church advanced a theory that the bread and wine of Communion (Mass) were not, in reality, merely bread and wine but became, in fact, the real body and blood of the Christ. This mysterious tranformation is called “transubstantiation." Protestants reject thi notion, recognizing that Jesus spoke metaphorically, using bread and wine as symbols. If transubstantiation is literally believed, how many tons would Jesus have weighed and how many gallons of blood would He have had to supply all the needs of many centuries of Mass observance? FN-1 The order of future events is: present life on earth ⇒ resurrection of the dead, who have received Jesus as Savior, and rapture (snatching away) of the living, who have received Jesus as Savior ⇒ Paradise (first 3.5 years = Bema Judgment [Judgment Seat of the Christ] || second 3.5 years = Marriage Supper of the Lamb) ⇒ Second Coming (return of Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords with the Army of the Lord— angels and saints [including you?]) ⇒ Battle of Armageddon ⇒ throwing Antichrist and False Prophet alive into the Fiery Lake (Hell) || binding Satan in chains for one-thousand years in the Bottomless Pit (Abyss) ⇒ Millennial Kingdom, ruled by Jesus from the Third Temple in Jerusalem; innocent humans who survived the Tribulation mentored by the angels and saints (including you?) ⇒ Second Gog and Magog Battle of Revelation, not to be confused with the First Gog and Magog Battle of Ezekiel ⇒ Satan conquered and thrown alive for eternity in the Lake of Fire (Hell) ⇒ renovation of earth by fire; creation of a New Heaven and New Earth ⇒ unsaved persons, who have been buried for one-thousand years but are now reurrected, and rebellious persons defeated in the Second Gog and Magog Battle judged at the Great White Throne Judgment and sentenced to eternity in the Lake of Fire (Hell) ⇒ New Jerusalem (Heaven) descends from the heavens to earth, there to remain forever... saints (including you?) join Father God and Jesus in this blessed place forever, along with the angels. FN-2 The Jewish wedding ceremony in the time of Jesus had fourteen major steps. Jesus' ministry followed these fourteen steps. It is no accident that Jesus was referred to as the “Bridegroom” and His followers collectively as the “bride.” Parables referenced this marriage, e.g., the Parable of the Virgins (see Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus will return for a radiant Church, without stain, wrinkle, or any blemish, but but holy and blameless (see Ephesians 5:27). SEE APPENDIX A, FOLLOWING, FOR THESE JEWISH MARRIAGE STEPS AS RELATED TO JESUS' MINISTRY. |
COMMUNION AT HOME— YOU AS A CONGREGATION OF ONE (OR, YOUR FAMILY AS A CHURCH CONGREGATION).
You do not need to be in a synagogue or church congregation to observe Communion. God does not live in synagogues and churches, but, rather, in the bodies of His children (1 Corinthians 3:16-17): Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? …For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. — AND — (2 Corinthians 6:16, quoting from Leviticus 26;12, Jeremiah 32:38, and Ezekiel 37;27): And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:“I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
You can observe Communion at home, with just yourself or your family. Early morning before coffee and breakfast is an ideal time for many persons. Spend a few minutes at Jesus' table, eating a bit of matzo and sipping the fruit of the vine. During this Communion meal, reflect (meditate) on the goodness of God and what Jesus' sacrifice means for you. This would be a good time to read your Bible and pray (especially a prayer of thanksgiving that God has given you another day of life and a prayer asking that you will not offend God or your neighbors that day). From personal experience, the author of this guide attests that the day starts off better from that point! Try it, and see for yourself!
You will need the two elements of Communion— unleavened bread (matzo) and fruit of the vine (grape juice).
You can purchase matzo at any large supermarket. A box of ten or twelve sheets, properly stored, should last "forever." Purchase only plain matzo (no salt, so seeds, no flavoring). The fruit of the vine should be grape juice which is red or purple (not "white" grape juice or grape drink). If you want a fun project with your kids or grandkids, bake your own matzo. See RECIPE, although omitting the optional salt and oil would make this "bread" more like that eaten by the Israelites on Passover night.
If you bake your own matzo, remember the symbolic connection to Jesus, as you bake this humble bread:
... Flour is prepared from wheat, a common grain grown from the earth. Flour reminds us of Jesus' title, “Son of Man.”
... Water is associated with the Holy Spirit, and especially the cleansing of sin. Water reminds us of Jesus' title, “Son of God.”
... Absence of yeast (leavening) — yeast has long been used as a metaphor for sin. Absence of yeast reminds us that Jesus led a sinless life.
... Baking reminds us of the tortured death Jesus suffered on Golgotha's cross.
Grape juice purchased from a grocery store will suffice. Purple (red) grape juice (not “grape drink” or "white" grape juice) should be chosen, because the purple (red) juice more closely resembles the color of blood.
As you partake of each Communion element, offer prayers, such as:
| FOR THE MATZO:
Prayer in Hebrew (phonetic pronunciation): Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu Melech haolam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav, vetzivanu al Achilat metgzot. B'Shem Yeshua HaMashiach, Ahmayn. Prayer (translated into English): Blessed are You, my Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has commanded us to eat unleavened bread. In the name of Jesus the Messiah, Amen. Added personal prayers: • In breaking a piece of matzo, acknowledge Jesus' sacrifice and personalize it for your life, such as: “Jesus, Your body was broken because of my sins. Thank You that You permitted Your body to be beaten and crucified.” • Then, offer any other prayers you feel needed. |
| FOR THE FRUIT OF THE VINE (GRAPE JUICE):
Prayer in Hebrew (phonetic pronunciation): Baruch atah Adonai Eloheynu Melech haolam, boray p'ree hagafen. L'Chaim b'Yeshua HaMashiach, Ahmayn. Prayer (translated into English): Blessed are You, my Lord our God, King of the Universe, who makes the fruit of the vine. To life in Jesus the Messiah, Amen. Added personal prayers: • In sipping the juice, acknowledge Jesus' sacrifice and personalize it for your life, such as: “Jesus, Your blood was shed because of my sins. Thank You that You permitted Your precious blood to be shed to seal the New Covenant for the world.” • Then, offer any other prayers you feel needed. |
COMMUNION— THE MEAL THAT HEALS?
Evangelist Perry Stone, who is well known in this area, has popularized daily Communion in the home for healing. Nearly two years ago, a book he wrote by this name, The Meal That Heals, was published. Consider the following:
(1) Humans have three parts— body, mind, and soul.
(2) Jesus miraculously healed persons during His ministry, and has been called the "Great Physician" for this reason.
(3) One of the Messianic prophecies indicates that Jesus' Passion would be for our healing (Isaiah 53:5d, my underlining): … and by His [Christ's] stripes we are healed. During the night of Passover, the Israelites ate every part of the roasted lamb— both the familiar, appetizing meat, and also the unappetizing parts (brain, eyes, intestines, and so forth). Some suggest that eating the unfamiliar organs, while distasteful, may have conferred supernatural protection and healing while they wandered in the wilderness. After all, they were embarking on an extraordinary journey of testing and faith. Consider:
… (Psalm 105:37, my underlining): He [the LORD] also brought them out [Israelites out of Egypt] with silver and gold, and there was none feeble among His tribes.
.... (Deuteronomy 8:2, 4, my underlining): And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. |...| Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years.
… (Deuteronomy 29:2): Now Moses called all Israel and said to them: “You have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land— |...| And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet.”
Following the Israelites' first Passover meal, Yehovah yireh provided all necessities (food, water, health, clothing) for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.
Some people are miraculously cured, and faith in God seems to be the only reason. If you need or a loved one needs healing, it is certainly appropriate to ask God for Divine healing, even as part of Communion. However, do not lose faith if healing does not occur. Failure to be healed does not mean your faith is too weak or that God does not love you. Every person has an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27a): And as it is appointed for men to die once,.... If faith alone prevented death, Jesus' apostles would now be more than 2,000 years old. Observe Communion as a way to draw closer to God, not expecting a guaranteed miracle. If Divine healing should occur, accept the healing as a bonus to everything else God has already given to you. God has a reason for your life— and for any illness or an inevitable death. God truly is good. Some day, all of us, along with the Apostle Paul, will see past the now-dark glass (see 1 Corinthians 13:12) and will understand completely the mysteries of life.
CONCLUSION... RELAX, GOD IS IN CONTROL.
Why study the Communion ordinance? We can learn much about our faith and about the mind of God by studying the history of blood sacrifices from Cain and Abel through Jesus' crucifixion.
In our time of "animal rights," some people are offended that innocent animals would have bee slaughtered as a gift to God. No one knows why God has required the shedding of blood of animals— and especially the shedding of blood of His Son, Jesus— for forgiveness of sin. If you are confused, relax... you are probably normal. God thinks differently than we do (Isaiah 55:8-9): “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Surely the Apostle Paul must have known the mind of God better than most. Yet, he repeatedly called God's ways “mysteries.” Paul wrote of his frustration of seeing only a little of what he believed to exist in God's kingdom (1 Corinthians 13:12): For now we see in a mirror,* dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.. [* In the ancient world, no silvered glass mirrors existed, as we now have. Mirrors were highly polished metal, which served to display reflections. If polished metal (a “mirror”) is placed between someone on earth and Heaven, nothing, except the inquisitive human, can be seen.] Paul's faith told him that something wonderful lay beyond this life, even if it cannot now be seen (1 Corinthians 2:9, quoting Isaiah 64:4): But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Paul also had a near death experience and glimpsed Paradise (2 Corinthians 12:2-4): I know a man in [Christ] who fourteen years ago— whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows— such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man— whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Paul, who wrote the major portion of the New Testament, was speechless after glimpsing Paradise, and he did not even see Heaven. Let God be God. He is much better at that job than are any of us.
People should stop trying to psychoanalyze God. If He wanted animal sacrifices and if He insists on tests of faith not understood by us, merely trust Him... believe Him... thank Him for His goodness. Some day, we will see past the barrier of Paul's “mirror,” and everything will become crystal clear. Untold millions of Christians in Heaven will surely say, “Oh, wow! Now I understand why God did that!” Remember (Isaiah 55:9): [Says the LORD] “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts [higher] than your thoughts."
CONTACT. If you have questions or comments, contact the author (Raymond Finney), as follows:Maranatha!
|
Why do I include this appendix? God gave the Jews a marriage ceremony which foretold (prophesied) the ministry of Jesus. Many Biblical references about the Messiah can be traced to this wedding ceremony. Modern Jewish weddings follow many of the same customs that were present in Jesus' lifetime. By studying the fourteen steps of a Jewish wedding, you may better understand the chronological order of Jesus' ministry, the significance of His mission, and the reason He is called “the Bridegroom” and we are called “the bride.” I have heard more than one comparison of Jesus' ministry and the ancient Jewish wedding. The best comparison, from which I heavily, gratefully borrow, was a teaching I heard at a Perry Stone, Voice of Evangelism Partners' (Campmeeting) Conference several years ago. I have tried to reconstruct his excellent teaching from memory and notes. STEP 1. Selection of the bride.
STEP 2. Payment of the purchase price (the mohar).
STEP 3. Presentation of the contract (the ketubah).
STEP 4. Decision of the woman.
STEP 5. Sealing the betrothal.
STEP 6. Bridegroom's gifts to the bride.
STEP 7. Bride's ceremonial washing in the mik'vot.
STEP 8. Bridegroom's departure to his father's house:
STEP 9. Consecration of the bride:
STEP 10. Return of the bridegroom for his bride:
STEP 11. Procession to the bridegroom's village:
Step 12. Consummation of the marriage, while protected in the chupah:
STEP 13. Blessings for the couple:
STEP 14. Invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb:
|
| SIDELIGHT. Four cups of wine were drunk during a Passover Seder. Each cup was named after a promise God made to the Israelites, while they were in the wilderness during their exodus from Egypt. These named cups and the promises they reprsented are:
• First cup— Cup of Sanctification (Exodus 6:6a): “… I will bring you out....” • Second cup— Cup of Deliverance (Exodus 6:6c): “… I will bring you from bondage....” • Third cup— Cup of Redemption (Exodus 6:6d): “... I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments....” • Fourth cup— Cup of Restoration (Exodus 6:7a): “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God....” The third and fourth cups are essential to an understanding of Communion. Jesus drank from the third cup (Cup of Redemption), and taught that the fruit of the vine in this cup represented His blood sacrifice— the New Covenant. He commanded His disciples (and us) to partake of this symbol: ”This is My blood... drink all of it.” SIGNIFICANCE: The New Covenant redeems faithful believers in/ followers of Jesus. But coming to the fourth cup (Cup of Restoration), Jesus deviated from centuries of customs and refused to drink this cup (Matthew 29:26): [Jesus said] “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.” The disciples likely did not understand this statement until the Apostle John received Jesus' revelation about the Marriage Supper of the Lamb approximately sixty years later. At that Supper, Jesus will dine with the hundreds of million of Christians gathered with Him in Paradise. The Bridegroom will share wine with each saint gathered there (collectively His bride), as customary for a Jewish wedding. At this glorious moment, three things will be completed: (1) Jesus' Seder meal, dating from nearly two-thousand years ago, is finished. All four cups of wine have finally been drunk. (2) The New Covenant will be finalized. (3) Jesus will be eternally wed to His Bride (Christians gathered together in one body). SIGNIFICANCE: The New Covenant restores faithful believers in/ followers of Jesus to the Kingdom of God! |
GOD'S PLAN FOR THE REDEMPTION AND RESTORATION OF SINFUL MAN IS NOW COMPLETE!
|
Why do I include this appendix? A longstanding legend (purely myth without basis) holds that Jesus drank wine at His last Seder from a“Holy Grail.” There is no Scriptural basis for such a holy item. Scriptures merely indicate: Jesus acquired, by gift or rental, a “large upper room [a guest room], furnished and ready” to accommodate Himself and His disciples for this meal (see Mark 14:15 and Luke 22:13). Presumably, the landlord of this room supplied the meal and dinnerware. At first, Jesus and His disciples began an ordinary Passover observance, but this Seder became anything but ordinary. Jesus announced the New Covenant by drinking from a cup. “Cup” translates the Biblical Greek text poterion— which is, a cup (drinking vessel), presumably of ordinary quality suitable for a Passover Seder. There is no Scriptural suggestion that this cup was especially ornate (valuable), possessed any unique quality, or is deserving of adoration. One legend claims that this “Holy Grail,” used by Jesus at the last Seder, was obtained by Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph, then, stood at the foot of Jesus' cross and collected His blood in the Grail. There is no Scriptural basis for this claim. Still another legend claims that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, and they had a daughter, Sarah. This fanciful legend claims that there is faulty or intentional misspelling of Old French. San gréal, may be translated “Holy Grail,” but rewriting it Sang réal, may be translated “royal blood.” Thus, this legend claims, the “Holy Grail” was not a cup for drinking wine, but was a vessel (a human vessel) to hold the royal bloodline of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. In 2003, Dan Brown wrote a fictional novel, The DaVinci Code. This book is based on his interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci's painting, “The Last Supper". The book was made into a movie in 2006. Brown theorizes:
Brown also claims:
There is no Scriptural basis for Brown's blasphemous claims. To accept Brown's claim is to deny Holy Scriptures and the Divinity of Jesus. I consider his theories as damnable heresy, if not outright blasphemy. Has Brown forfeited his entrance into Heaven? See Matthew 10:33: [Jesus said] “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” See similar statements in Luke 12:9 and 1 John 2:22-23. It is a fearful, dangerously reckless act to disrespect any Person of the Holy Trinity or to re-write Holy Scriptures! (See Matthew 12:36-37): [Jesus said] “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Other legends involve King Arthur and his involvement with the Holy Grail. Other movies involve this cup, including “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989). Interestingly, the “Holy Grail” has been “found” in numerous locations around the world. Some people in the Arab world have prospered “finding” pieces of Old and New Testament relics (such as, Jesus' cross and Noah's ark). More recently, one theory about the presumed treasure buried on Oak Island (the current television series, “Curse of Oak Island”) might be the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, and other holy relics brought to the New World (Nova Scotia, Canada) by the Knights Templar. Have you noticed that the more theories that pop up, the less real evidence is found? NOTE WELL. I consider Dan Brown's conclusions in The DaVinci Code to have no Scriptural basis and to be fanciful conjecture (distortion, fiction) of known historical facts— as well as distortion of sound interpretation of Holy Scriptures. Brown's version of the life of Jesus and His supposed “wife,” Mary Magdalene, must be considered blasphemous. To regard Jesus as a mere mortal, who married and fathered a child, completely destroys the New Testament narrative of Jesus, as well as Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. If Brown's fiction is accepted, Jesus would no longer be the Son of God. He would be just an ordinary human like the rest of us. Christianity, then, would become a myth. I include information about this book and movie only because Brown's fiction is well known, and you should be aware of it. |
