A couple of weeks ago, I focused the Post-Wide Bible study on Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. We looked at the accounts in the Gospel of Matthew and Luke and discussed the significance of the events happening during the celebration of Passover, a time of remembering God’s saving acts for the Israelites in Egypt.

We focused on the elements (sacrements) as well; bread and wine. Bread provides sustenance and Jesus used it to symbolize his body, encouraging his disciples to take and eat. Then he took the cup and said, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Bread provides nourishment, but blood is life. Blood also is used to ratify covenants, so the symbolism here is rich and deep. Jesus instructed His disciples to continue this meal in remembrance of Him.

Our Bible study got very personal and participants shared what Communion has meant and what it means to them now. But, one young Soldier raised her hand and said she had never taken Communion. She said the elements have been passed to her a thousand times, but she has always just passed them on. On the verge of tears, she said that she would examine herself and continually find the many flaws in her life. She said, “I just feel too unworthy to ever partake of Communion.”

The class chimed in and quickly pointed out that she might be confusing the definition of the word “unworthy” with some expectation to be “perfect.” If we have to be perfect to take Communion than we all will fall short, but is that the expectation of Jesus as He shares His body and blood with His disciples? I don’t think so. There was no doubt this young lady was doing the necessary introspection and examination, but she chose to settle with guilt and shame relying on her own ability to improve before the next time the elements would be placed in front of her.

This is not what Christ intended; yet Christians and the Church have done a pretty good job of pedaling guilt and judgment. Jesus is definitely concerned with our thoughts and actions and there is an expectation for us to examine ourselves, but the whole point behind this special meal is for us to realize that we don’t have to carry the guilt and the shame with us for the rest of our lives. We are invited to confess our sins, share our flaws, open up and be real with Him, be transparent, and just let our pride go. Again and again, we recognize our need for God and our inability to be self-sufficient. We cry out and grace enters. Our loving Father has chosen to place our burdens, our fears, our selfishness, and our sin upon His Son. Our Savior chose to place Himself on the cross so that we might live abundantly.

Near the end of our Bible Study, another Soldier asked if we could have a short Communion service to allow this young lady the opportunity to partake for the first time in her life. She agreed. A couple of us stayed after and the Spirit moved in a wonderful and powerful way. We sang Amazing Grace, took a moment to examine ourselves and asked for forgiveness, prayed, and then my wife and I handed out the elements. This young Soldier just let it go; all the pain, the shame, the guilt and she placed it where it belongs, at the feet of Jesus. She took the bread and took the cup and consumed the most important meal she will ever eat.

The invitation is extended to you and me; come, eat, drink and experience the love, grace, and saving power of our risen Savior.

If you are interested in attending the Post-Wide Bible Study, all are invited. We meet at the Bicentennial Chapel on Wednesdays. A free lunch is provided and arrives around 11:30 a.m.. Our study goes from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and is very discussion-based. We look forward to seeing you there.