Devotion for Baking Communion Bread

When you finish the bread, read the following scripture together. Take a few moments to quiet your mind and prepare your heart to receive God’s Word. Read the following passage, and then pray through the points below together.

Luke 22:7-23 (ESV)

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

*PRAYER POINT It is at this Passover supper that Jesus introduces the ordinance of communion, the breaking of bread, representing His body, and the drinking of wine, representing His blood poured out for us. Jesus asks His followers to take communion in remembrance of Him.

Consider the posture with which you take communion. Are you remembering Jesus and what He’s done for all who believe in Him? Ask God to deepen your understanding of and appreciation for the sacrifice Jesus made so that we could be reconciled to God and to each other. The next time we gather on Facebook Live for our worship, we will be taking communion together. Reminding one another of Jesus’ sacrifice is good to do together as the family of God. It reminds us of our unity in Christ and of the breadth and diversity of the family of God as immediate family members and the corporate body of believers. — As we have each fasted from something during Lent to re-center our hearts on King Jesus, be sure to remind yourselves in these next few days that God’s Word is our daily bread. How can you be present today? What can you be thankful for? What can you share with others, so that they can be encouraged that God loves them? We often can’t see God’s provision, protection, or grace until we’re on the other side. So, commit today to rest in the promises of God; be thankful for the gifts He’s given you; reach out (even if it’s only digitally) to friends for support and the family around you, and ask God to sustain you and show you the joy of right now! We love you and are continuing to pray for you! Looking forward to online worship Easter Sunday morning!

* adapted from https://austinstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TASEaster2020HolyWeekDigital Devo.pdf