Communion
Who We’re Meant to Be, Part 2
February 12-13, 2022
Matthew 26:26-28
- As a Child of God, I Remember Jesus When I Take Communion.
“Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19c (p.804)
- Remember why Jesus came.
“’(Jesus) Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.’”
Matthew 5:17 (p.736)
“[Jesus] took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.’” Matthew 26:27-28 (p.757)
“’It is finished!’” John 19:30 (p.827)
- Remember what Jesus did for you.
“…we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ…” Romans 5:9a (p.860)
Series Memory Verse: “To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 (p.809)
- Remember to live, love, and serve in Jesus’ Name.
- LIVE – “’Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.’” John 15:5 (p.824)
- LOVE – “’So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.’” John 13:34-35 (p.823)
- SERVE – “’Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.’” Luke 22:27 (p.805)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will __________________________________ in order to live, love, and serve in Jesus’ Name.
Discussion/Groups Guide
Who We’re Meant to Be – Part 2
“Communion”
Life Groups use this guide in their discussion from the Weekend Talk. This is also a discussion guide you can use with your family and friends.
Conversation Starters
- Has anyone ever described you as a “child of ________” (such as a “child of the ‘90s, or a child of a farmer, or child of the military, etc.)? How did this make you feel? Did you agree with it?
- Does your family have any special traditions where you honor a member? Please share.
- Do you have a sport shirt or hat which you wear to support your favorite team? Do you wear it no matter what or only when they are winning?
- Do you still have a T-shirt of your favorite artist or group from your childhood? Do you still go and see when they tour? Who is it and do they still make good music?
Quick Review
Looking back at your Weekend Talk Notes, was there anything you heard in the service that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
Discussion Starters from the Weekend Talk
Refer to the Talk Notes and Bible verses from the Talk Notes.
This week’s One Thing: As a Child of God, I Remember Jesus When I Take Communion.
Series Memory Verse: John 1:12 (p.809)
Background: Matthew 26:26-28 (p.757); Luke 22:17-20 (p.804)
- Do you think the disciples really understood what Jesus was saying in verses 17-20?
This week our discussion focuses on the following points of teaching and application:
- Remember why Jesus came. Matthew 5:17 (p.736); Matthew 26:27-28 (p.757); John 19:30 (p.827)
- Why is it important that followers of Jesus read and understand the Old Testament?
- Have you ever had to sacrificially give up something you love? Perhaps it was a pet that you became allergic to, or maybe selling a sentimental item because you needed money, or maybe a family member battling addiction? How did you deal with the heartbreak of your sacrifice?
- Now think about God’s love for his Son and His sacrifice.
- Why is it important that Jesus “finished” what He came to do?
- Remember what Jesus did for you. Romans 5:8-9 (p.860); Series Memory Verse John 1:12 (p.809)
- Read Romans 3:23-24 (p.859). Who is guilty of sin? What does this mean to you when you replace “everyone” with your name?
- Talk about the significance of Romans 5:8-9. Do you think most people realize it’s significance?
- How would you describe to a child what Jesus did for you?
- Remember to live, love, and serve in Jesus’ Name. John 15:5 (p.824); John 13:34-35 (p.823); Luke 22:27 (p.805)
- When Jesus gave us the Lord’s Supper (Communion) as a visual reminder, He also had a lot to say about our relationship with Him: Yes, remember me through this meal, but don’t stop there!
- What tangible steps can you take to live, love, and serve in Jesus’ Name? Who can you impact by doing this?
- How could your group do this together?
- Observe Communion together as a group or family. Take time to prayerfully thank Jesus for the sacrifice He made for you. Pray also for opportunities to live, love, and serve in His name.
Digging Deeper
The Jewish Passover was the predecessor to what we observe as Communion. Every element of Passover has significance. A couple of them involve the bread and the wine. When the Bible says Jesus “blessed” or “gave thanks” over portions of the meal, there was a specific prayer that would have been said and is still said in Jewish households today. The father of the household would lead it. Jesus was the “Father” of this “household” of men celebrating Passover.
- The Bread: Matthew 26:26 “As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” This is what He would have said: “Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.’” Then He said, “This bread is my body.”
- The Wine: Matthew 26:27–28 records the Lord raising the Cup of Redemption: “And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, ‘Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.’”
What did He say when He “gave thanks”? The thanks was really like a toast that a bridegroom would make to His bride. Here it is: “Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.” Jesus is the True Vine (John 15:1). We are the fruit of the branches of His vine. He is blessing us, The Church.
My Next Step This Week: _____ I will __________________________________ in order to live, love, and serve in Jesus’ Name.