THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-30

Supporting Texts: Matthew 26:26-29, John 6:53-56, Luke 24:30-31, Exodus 12:1-14

INTRODUCTION:
The Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a divine mystery instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. It is not merely a religious ritual or symbolic gesture; it carries deep spiritual meaning and tremendous power when approached with understanding and reverence.

From the Old Testament Passover to the Last Supper, God has always used the principle of covenant through a meal to communicate intimacy, deliverance, and victory. When Jesus broke bread with His disciples, He was initiating a new covenant in His blood, bringing eternal life, healing, and restoration to all who believe.

In this message, we will explain the mystery behind the Holy Communion, its significance, and how it affects our spiritual, emotional, and physical lives. The Holy Communion is more than bread and wine—it is a divine channel for grace, healing, and fellowship with Christ.

1. HOLY COMMUNION IS A COVENANT MEAL

The Communion is a divine covenant that connects us to the finished work of Christ on the cross. It reminds us of our covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

a) Covenant Established by Jesus (Luke 22:20)
Jesus declared the cup as the new covenant in His blood. This was not symbolic alone; it was spiritual. Every time we partake, we affirm that we are part of this divine covenant.

b) Covenant Means Protection and Blessing (Exodus 12:13)
Just as the blood of the lamb in Egypt protected the Israelites from death, so does the blood of Jesus cover and protect us from judgment and destruction.

c) A Meal that Seals the Covenant (Genesis 18:1-8)
In biblical culture, sharing a meal was a covenant act. The Communion is a spiritual meal that seals our commitment to Christ and His commitment to us.

d) A Call to Remember and Reflect (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)
Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” The Communion brings us back to the cross—His body broken and His blood shed for us.

Biblical Example: The Passover in Egypt (Exodus 12)
God instructed Israel to eat the Passover lamb and apply its blood. This act brought them deliverance from bondage. Similarly, Holy Communion connects us to Jesus—the true Passover Lamb—and enforces our deliverance.

2. HOLY COMMUNION IS SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

Holy Communion strengthens our inner man. It is spiritual food and drink that imparts the very life of Christ into us.

a) Feeding on the Life of Christ (John 6:53-56)
Jesus said unless we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we have no life in us. This speaks of spiritual nourishment, not cannibalism. It is partaking of His divine nature.

b) The Bread of Life (John 6:35)
Jesus declared Himself as the Bread of Life. Just as physical bread sustains the body, Jesus sustains the spirit. Holy Communion allows us to receive that life.

c) Strength in the Journey (1 Kings 19:6-8)
Elijah received heavenly bread and was strengthened for 40 days. The Communion strengthens us to fulfil our divine assignment.

d) Revival and Renewal (Acts 2:42, 46)
The early church continued in the breaking of bread. It brought spiritual revival, unity, and miracles among them.

Biblical Example: The Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:30-31)
When Jesus broke bread with them, their eyes were opened. Communion brings revelation and intimacy with Jesus.

3. HOLY COMMUNION IS A MYSTERY OF HEALING

One of the hidden powers of Communion is divine healing. The broken body of Jesus is our access to healing and wholeness.

a) By His Stripes, We Are Healed (Isaiah 53:5)
The bread represents His body broken for us. When we partake worthily, we receive healing through His suffering.

b) Discern the Lord’s Body (1 Corinthians 11:29-30)
Many are weak, sick, and die prematurely because they do not discern the power in the Communion. With understanding, we can receive healing and restoration.

c) Healing in the Blood (Leviticus 17:11)
Life is in the blood. As we drink the cup, we receive the life of Christ that revitalises our system and corrects every defect.

d) Restoration and Wholeness (Matthew 15:26)
Jesus said healing is the children’s bread. When we take the bread with faith, we receive what belongs to us—healing.

Biblical Example: Healing at the Cross (Matthew 27:26-50)
At the cross, Jesus bore our sickness and pain. The Communion is our connection to that sacrifice and the benefits that flow from it.

4. HOLY COMMUNION IS AN ACT OF UNITY AND FELLOWSHIP

The Lord’s Supper is also an expression of our unity in the body of Christ and our fellowship with the Lord.

a) One Bread, One Body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
As we all partake of one bread, we declare that we are one in Christ. Communion unites us in spirit with one another and with the Lord.

b) Fellowship with Jesus (Revelation 3:20)
Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts to dine with us. Communion is an intimate moment of fellowship with Him.

c) Breaking Barriers (Ephesians 2:14)
The Communion reminds us that Jesus broke the dividing wall between people. It is a call to forgive, reconcile, and walk in love.

d) Strengthening the Church (Acts 2:42)
The early church grew in power and love because they continually broke bread together. Communion strengthens our bond.

Biblical Example: Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet Before the Last Supper (John 13:3-17)
This act of humility and service set the tone for unity and love among the brethren before Communion.

5. HOLY COMMUNION IS A PROCLAMATION OF VICTORY AND HIS RETURN

Every time we partake of the Communion, we are declaring the Lord’s victory on the cross and His soon return.

a) Proclaim the Lord’s Death (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Communion is a public declaration that Jesus died, rose, and is coming again. It keeps our focus on His finished work.

b) Victory Over Satan (Colossians 2:15)
Jesus disarmed principalities and powers through the cross. When we take Communion, we proclaim that Satan is defeated.

c) Hope of His Coming (Titus 2:13)
Communion points us forward to the blessed hope—the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

d) A Foretaste of the Marriage Supper (Revelation 19:9)
Every Communion service is a rehearsal for the great marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven.

Biblical Example: The Last Supper (Matthew 26:29)
Jesus said He would not drink of the fruit of the vine again until the kingdom. Every Communion is a step closer to that heavenly feast.

CONCLUSION:

The Holy Communion is not a religious ritual to be taken lightly. It is a divine mystery with deep spiritual meaning, power, and blessing. When we partake of it with faith, reverence, and understanding, we receive life, healing, restoration, and intimacy with the Lord.

It is a covenant meal that connects heaven and earth, uniting us with the body of Christ and reminding us of our victory through His sacrifice. As we celebrate the Communion, let us do so with joy, reverence, and expectation—knowing that in it lies the very life of God made available to us.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, open my eyes to understand the mystery of Holy Communion.

2.  I receive the life of Christ as I partake of the Holy Communion.

3.  Let every covenant of death be broken by the blood of Jesus.

4.  Father, restore my fellowship with You through the Communion.

5.  Let every spiritual blindness be removed as I break bread with Jesus.

6.  Let the Communion strengthen my walk with Christ.

7.  Lord, make me worthy to partake of Your table always.

8.  I receive victory over every work of darkness through the blood of Jesus.