How can we better prepare our hearts for communion, as seen in Luke 22:17? Setting the Scene Luke 22:17: “And He took a cup, gave thanks, and said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves.’” Jesus, on the eve of His crucifixion, establishes a pattern: gratitude, reception, and shared participation. This single verse becomes a template for heart-preparation each time believers come to the Lord’s Table. Grateful Acknowledgment • “He took a cup, gave thanks” • Thanksgiving realigns the heart with the goodness of God (Psalm 103:1-2). • Gratitude shifts the focus from self-concern to Christ’s provision. Practical approach: – Speak specific words of thanks for the cross, forgiveness, fellowship, and future hope. – Sing or read a psalm of praise before communion (e.g., Psalm 118). Personal Examination • 1 Corinthians 11:28: “Each one must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” • Self-examination is not morbid introspection but honest alignment with truth. Key areas to review: – Motives: love for Christ over mere ritual (Mark 7:6). – Conduct: areas where behavior contradicts faith profession (James 1:22). – Faith: reaffirm trust in Christ’s finished work, not personal merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). Confession and Repentance • 1 John 1:9 promises cleansing when sin is confessed. • Psalm 139:23-24 invites God to reveal hidden fault. Steps: – Acknowledge specific sins rather than vague generalities. – Turn from them with a decisive will to obey. – Receive the assurance that Christ’s blood fully covers confessed sin. Receiving from Christ • “Take this” underscores active reception. • Communion is not primarily what believers give to God but what God, in Christ, gives to believers. Focus points: – Embrace the once-for-all sacrifice that secured eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). – Rest in His sufficiency; He provides ongoing grace for every need (2 Corinthians 12:9). Unity in the Body • “Divide it among yourselves” highlights shared participation. • Communion proclaims one body, one cup, one Lord (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Preparation includes: – Reconciling with brothers or sisters where offense exists (Matthew 5:23-24). – Celebrating diversity while affirming unity under Christ’s headship. – Praying blessing over fellow believers before approaching the Table. Anticipation of Christ’s Return • Luke 22:18 immediately follows with Jesus promising future fulfillment in the kingdom. • Communion carries a forward look: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Cultivate anticipation by: – Meditating on the promise of the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). – Allowing hope of His return to purify present living (1 John 3:3). Practical Steps for This Week • Set aside unhurried time before the service to cultivate gratitude. • Read Luke 22:14-20 aloud, picturing the Upper Room scene. • Use a short list: Confess, Receive, Reconcile, Rejoice. • Arrive early, greet fellow believers warmly, and extend grace. • Let the act of communion renew commitment to gospel living until Christ returns. Approaching the Table this way—grateful, examined, forgiven, receptive, united, and hopeful—honors the Lord who first took the cup, gave thanks, and shared it with His disciples. |
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