The Vine: October 7, 2024
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”
This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)
“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for[a] you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Yesterday, we celebrated with churches around the world in what is known as “World Communion Sunday”. World Communion Sunday began in 1933 when Dr. Hugh Thomson Kerr, a Presbyterian pastor, decided to emphasize unity and interconnectedness among Christians around the world. The concept spread quickly beyond the Presbyterian Church and today many denominations participate in this annual reminder that the Church extends way beyond our local churches.
In the United Methodist Church, we commonly refer to this meal as “Communion”. We believe that we are not only communing with Christ himself through the meal, but also with one another. In other traditions it is known as “The Lord’s Supper”, “The Eucharist”, etc. I like how Daniel Migliore described the meal:
“The sacrament called the Lord’s Supper has many other names – holy communion, eucharist, divine liturgy, the breaking of the bread. But by whatever name it is called, it is a deeply trinitarian celebration. In the whole action of the Lord’s Supper, thanksgiving is given to God through Christ in the Spirit. It is a meal of thanksgiving to God for the gifts of creation and redemption; a meal of communion with the crucified and living Christ who is God’s gift to the world; and a meal of joy and hope in the power of the Spirit who gives new life and provides a foretaste of the great messianic banquet of the end time, when God’s liberating and reconciling activity will be completed.”
Many of us have experienced the presence of Christ at the table. With our hands held open ready to receive the gift of Christ through the bread and juice, we are reminded of our complete dependence on God and God’s grace in our lives. It is particularly powerful to participate in a communion service where we all come forward as the Body of Christ to receive that which we cannot manufacture on our own – love, grace, forgiveness, and salvation.
One of the best things about being a pastor is observing the Church coming forward to receive Communion. I see the couple who just received the diagnosis that will forever change their lives. I see the young parents holding the hands of their young children, tired and weary from a long week, but there in line, nonetheless. I see the recently widowed woman who is receiving the bread and the juice for the first time without her husband of 50 plus years. I see the couple asking the question, “Can we remain married or not?” I see people like you and me – in need of a Savior with nothing but open hands.
It is a humble reminder that I do not have the ability to make all things right in the world, but then I glance over at the table and am reminded of the One who does. It’s the same One who on the night in which he was betrayed took a loaf of bread and said, “This is my body that is for you…”
PRAYER
“Loving God, we are thankful that all are welcome at your table of grace and forgiveness. When we serve communion to others, we remember that you call us to serve alongside you in loving the world. When we receive holy communion from others, we are reminded of our need of one another and reliance on you. Help us to be grateful in the act of serving and receiving today. Amen.”
Questions for Reflection:
Can you remember the first time you received Communion? Can you remember the first time you served Communion to someone else?
In the United Methodist Church, we practice open Communion and believe that Christ’s table is open to all people. How does that line up with how you live your life and relate to others?
The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word “eucharistia”, which means “thanksgiving”. Part of receiving communion is expressing our gratitude to God and the gift of Christ. What are you grateful for today? How do you express your gratitude to God and others?
In what ways does Communion inspire a sense of community and unity in the Church?
PREVIOUS WEEKS
To view all previous devotions go to https://fumc-rr.org/the-vine