03/26/2026
What do we think of during communion? The Meaning Hidden Within Communion for each of UsWhat was happening on that day of the first communion in which Jesus offered the bread of His body and the cup of His blood to the disciples? On that day they were celebrating the Passover feast, eating the Seder meal, and it has a certain order and meaning to all of its parts. Every movement, every food, each cup of wine has meaning and timing. When did Jesus offer Himself to His disciples? What did it bring to their minds? What did He ask them to remember?
“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?”
1 Corinthians 10:16 ESV
There are four times during the Seder meal that bread is eaten, three during the meal and a fourth afterward, the fourth piece of bread is called the afikomen, and is wrapped in cloth, hidden, and must be searched for. When the afikomen is found it is broken, divided, and eaten by all. This was viewed by first century Jews as being symbolic of the coming Messiah. So, when Jesus broke His bread and offered it to His disciples what do you think the message was that it delivered?
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."”
Luke 22:19 ESV
Likewise there are four times during Seder meal that wine is actually consumed, and one cup, the fifth, is set aside and untouched. This cup is for Elijah who will usher in the Messiah. The cups have this mean:
Cup 1… “I will take you out”
Cup 2... “I will save you”
(The afikomen is found, broken, and consumed, then come the final two cups)
Cup 3... “I will redeem you”
Cup 4... “I will take you as a nation”
The third cup is consumed after the afikomen has been broken and consumed... it symbolizes redemption. This is the cup that Jesus offered as being His blood... redemption.
“And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you,”
Matthew 26:27 ESV
So, Jesus offered His body as the afikomen... the Messiah, and then the third cup of wine to symbolize the offering of His blood for their redemption. But something happened afterwards that is incredible and gives us hope. It tells us of what is to come…
The fourth round of wine is important to both Jew and Christian alike because it prophesies of the future... the coming of the Messiah. Jews see this as the first coming of the Messiah but as Christians we see this as the second coming. Jesus told His disciples that He would not consume this cup until He saw them again... we know now that this will be upon His return as we read in Revelation.
Then Jesus and the disciples sang! They would have sung Psalms, and most likely the “Hallel” which is comprised of Psalms 113-118. These are the Psalms of praise and are joyous.
“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”
Matthew 26:30 ESV
So now we know that the first communion was more than just an afterthought, or an “Oh, by the way” moment, it was filled to overflowing with symbolism and the meaning was rich then and now... every word would forever be understood and remembered by each of His Jewish disciples and should likewise be remembered by us. May it bless each of us more as we remember Him during the coming Easter season and services.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the redemption you provided us in your Son Jesus Christ. I thank you for revealing His coming within every Passover Seder that has ever been eaten, and for the revelation that He will come again. Jesus told us this in Word, but He also shows us His intention symbolically each time we take communion. O, Holy Father, how I long to drink the fourth cup of wine with Jesus when He is with us again. On that day our Seder will be complete, and the reunion will be celebrated in song as we sing Psalms of praise to you. Merciful Father, as I celebrate the coming Holy Week, never let me forget that it was entered into with promise, and in praise to you. Father of Grace and mercy, this is a time of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption, but also of promise, and celebration. Come quickly Lord Jesus... I await you with my cup; sitting in anticipation beside the wine of Elijah and listening for the trumpet to sound your joyous return. Sing all ye people, sing all you rocks, for on that day we will have reached the true fullness of time, and found the key to glory. Praised be your name Abba, now and for forever. From the altar of the cross, you have redeemed us, from before death itself, you have led us, we are victorious indeed. Holy, Holy, Holy, art thou my God Almighty, and Holy is your Son Jesus Christ my redeemer!
“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30 ESV
Hallelujah! Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Amen!
Rich Forbes