The Table: Why We Take Communion
Luke 22: 14-30 (NLT)
14 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. 15 Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. 16 For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
17 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”
19 He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
20 After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.
21 “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. 22 For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him.” 23 The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.
24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 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.
28 “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. 29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right 30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
1 Corinthians 10:16 (NLT)
16 When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ?
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Why we eat the bread and drink the cup:
1. To remember Jesus’ sacrifice.
- The bread is provision.
- The cup is life.
2. To affirm allegiance to Jesus.
3. To live as a living sacrifice for His kingdom.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: The communion table commemorates Jesus’ sacrifice and the covenant relationship with Him.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Luke 22:14-30. Jesus says He grants His followers the right to eat and drink at His table in His kingdom. What does that reveal about belonging and identity?
▶ Read Romans 12:1-2. What does it mean to you to be a living sacrifice?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
As you reflect on the table, where do you sense the Holy Spirit inviting you to deepen your allegiance to Jesus?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Thank Jesus for His sacrifice and the new covenant, and pray to live as a living sacrifice, shaped by His kingdom and values.