Communion and Christian Identity

In a world obsessed with identity, Christians can find a unique foundation for understanding who they are through the Lord’s Supper. This sacred meal, instituted by Christ, is more than a memorial it’s a practice that anchors believers in their true identity as redeemed and beloved people of God. The Supper connects us to Christ and reveals that our identity is inseparable from our union with Him.

A Ritual of Remembering and Belonging

Communion, much like the ancient Passover meal, is a time to remember God's saving acts, especially Christ’s sacrifice. When Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples before His crucifixion, He redefined it. Now, instead of merely recalling the exodus from Egypt, believers reflect on the “new exodus” our redemption through Jesus, the true Passover Lamb. As the Apostle Paul recounts, Jesus urged us to "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25), calling us to a memory that transforms our present.

Today, we often equate remembering with recalling the past, but biblically, remembering brings past truths into the present reality. In this way, when we receive the Lord's Supper, we aren’t simply reflecting on a distant event but partaking in the life of Christ who is present with us. Each time we take communion, we actively identify ourselves with Christ, affirming that our life, purpose, and identity are in Him.

Communion and Community

The Lord’s Supper also teaches us that our identity is rooted in community, not individualism. In 1 Corinthians 10:16, Paul describes the meal as a "participation" in the body and blood of Christ, a statement that resonates with believers today as we gather at the Table. Communion signifies unity, reminding us that in Christ, we form one body with others who share in this sacred meal. This communal element is vital in a culture that often promotes “self-made” identity.

Paul illustrates this unity by reminding us that there is “one bread” shared among many (1 Corinthians 10:17). The meal underscores that we are not isolated; rather, our lives are intertwined as the church, and our communion with Christ binds us to each other in Him. The Supper proclaims that we are not “our own” but belong to Christ and to the family of faith.

The Table as Proclamation

When Christians partake in the Lord’s Supper, we declare our purpose to live not for ourselves but for Christ. Through this act, we remember that He “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45) and calls us to follow His example. The Supper compels us to live in a way that reflects His love, serving one another and honoring God.

By participating in this holy meal, believers remember that their lives are to be an extension of the proclamation of Christ's death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). This commitment extends beyond the Table as we become “eucharistic” people, joyfully embodying the sacrifice and love of Christ in all we do.

The Lord’s Supper provides clarity for a Christian’s identity, grounding it in Jesus' sacrificial love and fostering a sense of belonging within the body of Christ. It’s a reminder that our identity is not self-defined but is found in communion with God and others, shaped by the One who laid down His life for us. As we partake in this meal, may it draw us closer to Christ, binding us together as His people and empowering us to live out this transformative identity daily.

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