The “Partaking” of Christ
March 13th 2011 00:25
Have you ever tried to explain the bible to a nonbeliever? Still, to this day, one of the hang ups that people have is communion. A nonbeliever tends to be skeptical and any mention of something that is “questionable” to their liking is usually taken literally. This helps them keep a combative stance on the subject. Let's read John 6: 51-58 for clarification of this subject.
“51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”
52 The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?”
Nonbelievers will gasp or give funny looks at a Christian when reading this in scripture. Some of the more ignorant, or uneducated, might also think the word “cannibalism.” As Christians we mustn't laugh in a demeaning way. Remember, teach the word in love. The gentleness that a parent teaches an infant should be utilized in these situations.
You can start by teaching of the symbolism of the body as the bread and the blood as the wine. Christ's body was a sacrifice that He gave for all sinners so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. The cup is the blood that was shed to make that sacrifice complete. Blood is our flesh body's life force.
The eating is really an outstanding metaphor. Realizing of course, that people were very simple in their thoughts. I want you to think about this; when you eat or drink something what happens? It goes inside of us and it is used as fuel for the works of our body (converted into energy), right? So, if we were to “consume”- “partake” - or “eat” of Christ who was a perfect being, always taught in love and lived the word of God, it would then be used as fuel for our works. It would be converted into energy and all that we do would be righteous and within the will of God as Jesus, Himself had lived.
So, rather than ridiculing or laughing at the ignorance of a person, look upon them with the loving eyes of Jesus and explain the text. By demeaning a person you are not displaying the love of God.
| 21 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
