Mark 14:22-25
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had
given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take
it; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured
out for many,” he said to them. “Truly I tell you, I will not drink
again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the
kingdom of God.”
I remember getting into trouble as a child during
communion.
When I was a little girl, before the establishment of junior
church, I sat with my parents in the pew and listened to the sermon, sang the
songs, and tried to behave. One Sunday, when the deacons passed the communion
plates of little wafers of bread and tiny cups of juice, I got curious. I
reached to take a piece and my mom let me know that was not the thing to do. If
I remember correctly, she took me by the hand and took me outside to explain
why. From that point on I didn’t touch the trays until I confessed my love for
Jesus and was baptized.
From the day I became a believer, I’ve been enamored with
the time of communion at church. That moment when I bow my head and consider
the sacrifice Jesus gave for me and the grace He pours over me. He didn’t have
to die. He could have lived on earth and just been a good guy. Instead, Jesus came
and took on my sins and burdens. He called the weary, the poor, the hurting,
the sinners, and the saints to Him. I’m beyond thankful that God created a way
for people to come into a relationship with Him. I’m also thankful my mom
taught me what communing with God meant. I’d be lost without my Jesus.
In this month of Thanksgiving, reflect on Jesus and the
burden He carries for us.