During the last supper, the night before Jesus was betrayed, he announced to his disciples, the coming of a better promise. This new covenant was to be enacted by God, Himself, so it was immutable and unchangeable. If they were paying attention, what John the Baptist had preached during his time on earth, was now about to be fulfilled. ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ And ‘Behold the Lamb of God, ‘Who came to take away the sins of the world’. (Matthew 3:2; John 1:29)  

Jesus wanted his disciples to get in on this new covenant because he wanted them to be with him forever, and that they also would help introduce this new covenant to the rest of the world: First, this new testament replaced the old, in that it would be sealed in his blood, not by the blood of goats and calves. “But Christ came as High Priest of good things to come ... Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood he entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11,12) Second, it was a perfect sacrifice, done once for the atonement of all mankind’s sins forever. 

Third, this new covenant was established on better promises, promises of eternal life, salvation, deliverance, healing, and life more abundantly, forever. “…how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this reason he is the Mediator of the new covenant ...that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” (Hebrews 9:14,15) Eternal life is available for whosoever will believe and call upon his name.  

The importance of taking communion is this, in action we are saying, ‘We believe in what Jesus has done to obtain salvation for us. We remember and acknowledge this new covenant with him.’ For Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25) 

In these last days, when the world’s competition for our attention and affection is fierce, let us never forget that this life here is not our home. We will spend eternity with Christ forever. As believers, each time we come to the table to partake of communion, we remind ourselves of this, and the better promises which have been given to us through the new covenant with Christ. We remember him.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the blood You shed and the covenant You sealed for my salvation. Thank You for doing what no one else could, paying the full price for my redemption. Help me never to take lightly the sacrifice You made. When I come to the table of communion, may I do so with reverence, gratitude, and a heart full of faith. Keep my heart steadfast and focused on eternity with You. In a world full of distractions, help me to remember You daily, not just with my words, but with my life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

 

Before your next communion, examine your heart, meditate on Christ’s finished work, and write down three “better promises” you are holding onto, such as healing, freedom from guilt, or the hope of eternal life. Let this be a personal act of remembrance that draws your heart closer to Him.