Christians have debated the meaning of Jesus’ words for centuries.

What did he mean when he said, “This is my body” and “This cup is the new covenant in my blood”? Entire branches of Christianity have formed around different answers.

Call me simple, but I believe
Jesus meant exactly what he said, just as billions of Christians have.

When I receive that small piece of unleavened bread, I believe it is also the body that was scourged, beaten and crucified for me.

When I receive the cup, I believe it is also the blood of the Savior whose forehead was pierced by thorns, whose hands and feet were pierced by nails and whose side was pierced by a spear, all to bring me into a new relationship with the God who made me.

I cannot explain how this happens because Jesus did not explain it. But this is typical of his miracles. 

At a wedding, he told the servants to draw water and serve it. The water became wine. Scripture does not explain the chemistry. Did the water change instantly? Did something new appear in the jars? We are not told. What we do know is that his disciples knew that a miracle had happened, and they put their faith in him.

The same is true when Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000 men with five loaves of bread and two fish. He prayed, gave the food to his disciples and told them to distribute it. Somehow, the food did not run out. Everyone ate and there was food left over.

How did it happen? Did the bread multiply in their hands? Did new pieces appear as they served the crowd? Scripture doesn’t say.

What we do know is this: Jesus performed a miracle.

So it should not surprise us that the one who turned water into wine, fed thousands with a few loaves and fish, raised the dead and created the universe can also be present in his supper through bread and wine.

Yes, it takes a miracle. But miracles are Jesus’ business.

And if Jesus wants us to remember him, what better way than this?

If Communion were only a symbol, bread and wine by themselves would say very little. Memorials in Washington, D.C., to Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson use giant statues and engraved words to remind us who they were and why they mattered.

But Lincoln and Jefferson are not there.

In his supper, Jesus is.

He comes to his people with the body and blood he gave to save them. For nearly 2,000 years, he has given this gift to his church again and again so his people will remember not only his suffering and sacrifice but also his living presence and love. ν

Nourish your faith in between
Sundays with more writings at
BitsOfBread.org.