The Mystery of Communion | Dr. Mark Rutland

Sunday, May 25

Key Scriptures

Matthew 26:26-30; Psalm 136:1-26; Romans 6:1-4

Introduction

Today we’ll explore the message, 'The Mystery of Communion' by Dr. Mark Rutland. The message discussed Communion, also called the Eucharist or The Lord’s Supper and how it carries a deeper meaning in its many names.

Communion has always carried an air of mystery—so much so that in the ancient Roman world, early Christians were accused of cannibalism because they spoke of eating Christ’s body and drinking His blood. While that claim was based on a tragic misunderstanding, it reminds us that Communion is not meant to be fully understood by human reasoning alone. It is spiritual, sacred, and supernatural.

Like other sacred acts such as anointing with oil, foot washing, or even Spirit-filled worship, Communion is not just symbolic—it’s an encounter. A real-time invasion of the Holy Spirit. More than a memorial, it’s a present-tense moment where Jesus meets us with grace, healing, and unity. It’s a living meal with a living Savior.

Communion invites the presence of Jesus into the very ordinary—bread and juice—transforming it into a holy encounter. It’s a mystery that brings healing to our emotions, reconciliation to our relationships, and even renewal to our physical bodies. It reconnects us with Christ and one another through the Spirit's power. Communion is not about remembering a dead Jesus—it’s about experiencing the risen One.

What stood out to you from Sunday’s message?

What has Communion meant to you personally in the past—and how does Dr. Rutland’s teaching challenge or deepen your understanding of it?

Healing Power of Holy Communion

Matthew 26:26-30 (NIV) “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke itand gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.””

The Last Supper was the first Holy Communion, ordained by Jesus for the church. He was physically present with all his disciples when he took the bread and cup of wine and shared it with them. It was a collective act done in the presence of the community of faith. Jesus did not take John alone to a room, but there were all of them including Judas Iscariot and Peter who took the bread, even though after few hours they were going to betray and deny Jesus. 

Likewise, after His death and resurrection the eleven disciples along with other believers often gave thanks and broke bread. It was not done individually nor in secret.

1 Corinthians 10: 16-17 says,

“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” (NIV)

This signifies that, although all of us in church are many and different, we are united as one body through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross. We share that oneness with Christ and each other as we partake of Holy Communion together. There is no exclusivity or additional requirement for who can take the Bread and the Wine, except that all must be united in one Spirit as the church.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 emphasizes that “we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” How does participating in Holy Communion as a community strengthen the sense of unity in your church? Can you share an example of this unity in action?

When we take Holy Communion with seriousness and sincerity, God’s power and grace are present and overflowing.

In 1 Corinthians 11:27-30, Paul warns that partaking in the Lord’s Supper "unworthily" can lead to spiritual and even physical consequences,

“So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 (NLT)

Paul also implies that proper participation—marked by repentance and faith—brings spiritual health! The act of examining oneself (1 Corinthians 11:28) and discerning the body of Christ fosters reconciliation with God and others, which can be seen as spiritual healing.

What practices or attitudes help you approach Communion with the right heart? How can we encourage each other to do so?

When our act of repentance is coupled with extending forgiveness to all who have hurt us, as Lord Jesus commands in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:14-15), we receive healing and forgiveness in our relationships. As a result, relationships are healed and restored in our lives, in our church, and in our community.

The Lord commands us to take Holy Communion often and frequently until He returns and meets with us at the Lord’s Supper table.

How often do you think the Lord Commanded us to partake of the Holy Communion?  Why?

Are you faithful in taking the Holy Communion regularly? If the answer is No then, what challenges do you face if any that prevent you from doing so?

Leave the Table of Grace as Forgiven

Dr. Rutland told a humorous story at the start of his sermon about when he was president of Oral Roberts University of a woman who pulled her daughter out of the school because they had read the Lord’s prayer together in a chapel service. The mother was associating potentially transformative words from the only prayer Jesus taught his disciples to a dry ritual that she had learned growing up.

Are there areas of your and my Christianity that have turned into dead, dry rituals?

Dr. Rutland pointed out that like the Lord’s prayer and Communion should never be a hollow ritual, but rather an opportunity for an invasion of the Holy Spirit into our lives that brings transformation.

When was the last time you felt the Holy Spirit invading your life and bringing about transformation? Has this ever happened to you during Communion or reading the Lord’s prayer?

We must release anything that obstructs or jeopardizes our connection with God and pursue our path with endurance and dedication, empowered by the Holy Spirit. If we shift our focus from Him to dwell on our own concerns or the challenges, obstacles, or hardships ahead, we risk faltering. Our race should be run entirely for Christ, not for personal acclaim or achievement, keeping our eyes fixed on Him at all times.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Whether it is a heavy backpack you’re carrying or the daily barnacles of sin that need to be removed, we must shed these burdens to run freely and faithfully toward the purpose God has set before us.

What are some specific "hindrances" or "barnacles of sin" in your life that might be obstructing your relationship with God, and how can you begin to release them to run your race with perseverance?

How can focusing on Christ, rather than personal glory or challenges, change the way you approach difficulties in your spiritual journey?

How will you approach the Lord’s prayer and the ordinance of Communion in the future?

Conclusion

Dr. Mark Rutland referenced a survey highlighting the three phrases people most long to hear: “I love you,” “You’re forgiven,” and “Supper’s ready.”

As we close, consider this: When we take Communion, we’re not just honoring an ancient ritual—we’re responding to a divine invitation. Jesus is still saying, “This is my body… this is my blood… take, eat… drink, all of you.” And with that, He is saying, “I love you. I forgive you. Supper’s ready.” Again, the table of Communion provides an opportunity for transformation as the Holy Spirit invades our lives and gives us the grace to be forgiven as well as forgive others.

Through Communion, we receive more than a symbol—we receive grace. We receive healing. We receive Christ’s presence. We’re reminded that no matter where we are on our spiritual journey, there’s a seat at the table for us. Whether you’re rejoicing or grieving, confident or doubting, the table is set. And the invitation stands.

So let us come to the table not just out of routine, but in repentance, in forgiveness, and in holy expectation. Supper is ready—come and dine.

What would it look like for you to approach Communion this week as an opportunity for healing, forgiveness, and personal renewal?

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