Read: Matthew 26:17-30
Jesus Invites Us into Union with Himself
There is a rich and beautiful history of sharing a meal with God.
In the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, the Creator invited Adam and Eve to freely eat from all He had provided (Genesis 1:29; 2:9)—including the Tree of Life. This was an invitation to receive and partake in His goodness and life. It was a picture of union with God through His provision.
Later, after 400 years of slavery in Egypt, God rescued His people. The final act of deliverance was marked by a meal—the Passover. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and spread its blood over the doorposts of their homes. That blood protected them from the plague that struck down every firstborn in Egypt. Inside their homes, they roasted and ate the lamb with unleavened bread and wine. This meal was not only nourishment but also a sign of God’s covenant protection and promise.
As the Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land, God once again invited them to a meal—this time of manna from heaven, quail, and water from the rock. In doing so, God was teaching His people to trust Him daily, to obey His commands, and to find sustenance in His provision.
In the New Testament, Jesus continued this sacred pattern of invitation. He often shared meals with others, offering not only food but also fellowship, healing, and truth. One powerful example was when He fed the multitude—starting with just five loaves and two fish. After giving thanks, He multiplied the food until everyone, likely over ten thousand people, had eaten their fill.
Finally, during the Passover meal with His disciples, Jesus gave new meaning to the elements on the table. He took the bread, broke it, and gave it to them. He took the cup of wine and poured it out, telling them, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” In that moment, He instituted what we now call Communion or the Lord’s Supper.
Today, we continue this sacred act. When we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we join believers around the world and throughout history in remembering Jesus’ body broken for us and His blood poured out for our sins.
Through Jesus Christ, we have communion with God. We were created for union with Him—and with one another. Though we may struggle at times to live in unity, Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit to help us abide in Him and remain connected to each other.
Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, we can pause to share a moment with our Provider Father. We can invite Jesus to “sup” with us (just ask Him, “Sup?”). We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us remember, reflect, and remain in communion—not only with God but also with His Bride, the Church.
Pray: Father, thank you for providing for me. Jesus, thank you for being my bread and wine. Holy Spirit, thank you for helping me to remember and stay in union with you.
Reflection on God’s Invitation
- From Eden to the Lord’s Supper, God consistently invites His people to a shared meal.
What does this tell you about God’s character and His desire for relationship with us? - Why do you think God often uses something as simple and ordinary as a meal to express something as profound as union with Him?
What does this say about how God meets us in everyday life?
Jesus and Communion
- Jesus transformed the Passover meal into a new covenant through Communion.
What does it mean to you personally to “remember” Jesus through the Lord’s Supper? - Communion is a symbol of Jesus’ broken body and poured-out blood.
How does this deepen your understanding of sacrifice, grace, and forgiveness?
Union with Others
- We are not only invited into union with God but also with each other.
What challenges do you face in experiencing unity within the Body of Christ? How can the Holy Spirit help you overcome them? - Communion is often practiced in community.
How does participating in the Lord’s Supper together reflect our shared identity in Christ?
Living in Communion Daily
- “Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, we can pause and share a meal with our Provider Father.”
What would it look like for you to live with that awareness throughout your day? - We were created for union—but sometimes we settle for disconnection.
What barriers keep you from deeper communion with God? With others?