How can we prepare our hearts for communion, as seen in Luke 22:7? Setting the Scene “Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed.” (Luke 22:7) This single verse launches us into the final Passover meal Jesus shares with His disciples—our model for communion. Within the details of preparation lie timeless steps for readying our own hearts. Recognize the Appointed Time • God marked a precise day for the Passover; it was no casual gathering. • Communion likewise isn’t routine; it commemorates Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Prepare by approaching the Lord’s Table with a fresh sense of sacred appointment, not habit. Remove the Leaven • In Passover week every trace of leaven (symbolic of sin) was cleared out (Exodus 12:15). • Paul applies this picture to believers: “Cleanse out the old leaven… For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) • Practical steps: – Invite the Spirit to search hidden attitudes (Psalm 139:23-24). – Confess specific sins (1 John 1:9). – Make restitution or seek reconciliation where needed (Matthew 5:23-24). Focus on the Lamb • Luke 22 stresses preparation “on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed.” Jesus Himself is that Lamb (John 1:29). • As communion approaches, center thoughts on His body given and blood shed (Luke 22:19-20). • Meditate on Isaiah 53:5—“He was pierced for our transgressions…”—letting gratitude override distractions. Yield to Obedience • Jesus sent Peter and John with clear instructions (Luke 22:8–13). They obeyed immediately. • Heart-preparation means submitting to Christ’s directives today: forgiving an offender, serving unnoticed, obeying promptings. • Obedience clears the conscience, making room for joyful fellowship. Embrace Fellowship • The table Jesus prepared was communal, not solitary (Luke 22:14). • Preparing our hearts includes valuing fellow believers: – Guard unity (Ephesians 4:3). – Refuse bitterness or partiality (James 3:16-17). – Celebrate that we “who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:17). Anticipate the Kingdom • Jesus spoke of a future fulfillment in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:16-18). • Communion points both backward to the cross and forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). • Let hope for His return purify motives and renew joy (1 John 3:2-3). Checklist for the Heart – Sacred mindset: “This is the Lord’s appointed time.” – Cleansed conscience: no cherished sin, no unresolved conflict. – Christ-centered meditation: fix eyes on the Lamb. – Active obedience: whatever He says, do it. – Loving fellowship: honor the body. – Forward gaze: live in eager expectation of His coming. Following these patterns embedded in Luke 22:7 and its surrounding verses, we approach communion not as a ritual to endure but a covenant meal to cherish—hearts ready, leaven gone, eyes on the Lamb. |
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