Communion 1/6/24

I often think about the state of mind that the disciples were in heading into and following their experience in the upper room. Many chapters of the gospel of John are dedicated to the beautiful and timely words of Jesus to his ministry companions.

While they entered the upper room, their minds were fixed selfish ambitions. While they were spending that time with Jesus, they were experiencing confusion at watching Judas exit the room, Peter making false declarations. Following their experience with Jesus in that room partaking in the communion meal even Jesus’s closest disciples, Peter, James, and John could not even stay awake to war in prayer with their master as had been requested.

As we partake in the emblems pointing to Jesus’s experience on the cross, I pray we would not grow complacent, distracted, or sleep through the challenge Jesus is laying before us.

Jesus was to die for the souls of those living in Judea, the known world of euro-asia, the peoples and civilizations not written about. He died for the sins of the whole world.

Jesus died for those living today in the mission field in front of us. He died for the residents of the city of Raleigh. He shed his blood for those in prison, those in poverty, the middle class, wealthy, and the financially wealthier still. He died for the grateful and the ungrateful alike. He died for the sinners and the saints. He died each and everyone of us.

One profound statement just makes in John 16 verse 16 he says to his disciples:

John 16:16 ESV

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”

The signs are only becoming more clear. It is becoming that more important we share with out community the good news of Jesus coming again soon. That means when we open these doors to community every week, in school, or worship, in small groups or God’s closet. Let them see Him in us.