At first glance, the title of this article would lead one to think about taking Holy Communion. Why would that be a challenge to the Believer? Many suffer with the thoughts that the enemy has injected into their minds which makes them think that they are not even worthy to have a seat at the table.
There is a passage in Luke, chapter 22, verses 7-23, where Jesus gives the disciples instructions to make preparation for the celebration of Passover. In the Old Testament, the Passover was an important part of the liberation from the enemy by the blood of the sacrificial lamb applied to the door posts of the physical house. In the New Testament, the Believer is liberated from the old life as the blood of Jesus is applied to the spiritual house, the heart. The participation in the communion is a reminder to the enemy that you have been redeemed from his bondage.
Before the time of the Passover, Jesus had taught that He was the bread and the blood. “I am the bread of life.” (John 6: 48). He told them that the bread, the manna that they ate in the wilderness caused death. But He was the living bread and eating of Him was life. Of course it was a hard thing that He said. It was so hard that many of them that had walked with Him and seen many miracles turned back. They were radical to even be with Him to a point. But at this point Jesus had taken them to another level in their thoughts. In their minds they could not get past the legalism, the rules and regulations of tradition. The force was so powerful, that it removed the very evidence that they had witnessed. When they turned back they missed a divine moment that would never pass their way again.
That is just like when there is a move of God released in the earth that many do not understand. Of course there are many disputes among the brethren. Who can know the mind and move of God unless He has found a vessel that He decides to reveal it in a divine thought? “Whatever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” (Psalm 135:6).
Jesus was preparing them for His introduction at the Last Supper as the last lamb. He was letting them know that He was the last sacrifice. No more lambs had to be sacrificed once His blood was shed. “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:12).
Can you even imagine yourself as a disciple in this scene? You have been with Jesus for His teaching and saw many miracles. Just as you are getting the revelation and understanding that which He has taught, Jesus places a demand on your spirit with the release of a divine secret in the form of a question? “What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where He was before?” (John 6:62). Do you think that in their minds that they thought that Jesus had gone too far? The signs, wonders, and miracles were one thing, but this new thing is way beyond what the mind can comprehend. Can comprehension be a hindrance to communion with Jesus? Is that why we need the mind of Christ?
In the midst of their confusion, Jesus was still releasing secret hidden mysteries. “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63). This was one of the many revelations prior to His death, burial, and resurrection. He was saying once you get this revelation, you will remind the enemy of your redemption and who paid the price. But unless the Father has given this to you, you will not be able to come to believe me. (v. 64).
In the Old Testament, God gave instruction that the Israelites were to observe the Passover forever. (Exodus 12:24). In the New Testament, the twelve disciples are seated around the table as Jesus, the last lamb, serves the Last Supper and gives instruction. “This do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19). This is the new covenant. There are many who wait until the first Sunday of every month to partake. There are some who are challenged by thinking that they cannot do this at home. Personally, I take communion whenever I am led by the Holy Spirit. I can remember when my son was home we would sometimes take communion together. One day he came to me and said, "Mom I think we need to take communion because we haven't done it in a while." What a blessing that was for me that he would know, understand, and even feel the need to partake! Of course as a parent, one would wonder what was it that he knew that I didn't. One thing is for sure He knew we needed to take it.
Jesus reveals that there is one among them who will betray Him. Much discussion among them arises as there is left an empty seat. This table and chairs held those that share on thing in common, Jesus. The table, the wood, one of the elements of creation, was used to hold the bread and wine for an occasion that would be forever remembered. The chairs held the disciples, the vessels that would go to carry the gospel that is still being carried by many today.
There was only one empty seat. This empty seat can be a challenge for those who do not want to leave His presence. Yes, we may want to sit with Him in the love of intimate fellowship. Not only looking at Him, but the tie with our brethren in unity of love and faith. But sometimes you will have to excuse yourself from the table after being there for a little too long. What? Never! Sometimes you will have to go and get someone else, so that they can experience the communion with Jesus. We sometimes forget that He is with us always.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20).
©
June 2011
Becky DeWitt
