Breaking Bread

In just a minute, after this meditation and our thanksgiving prayer, I will pick up the bread on this table and break it into two, holding up the pieces for you all to see. 

This might seem like an arbitrary action or perhaps some nice tradition, but it actually has a very significant meaning and is an integral part of observing this sacrament.

The first reason for doing so each week is that there are various names that this ordinance is known by, including simply “the breaking of bread.” For every Scriptural account of the institution of the Lord’s Supper makes mention of this aspect of the ceremony. And of course on a very practical level, the bread is broken in order that it may be shared by all. 

But more importantly, the breaking of this bread, which represents Christ’s body, is a visible sign of our Lord’s sacrificial death for the life of the world.

And so when you see this bread broken and held up, in that moment your redemption is symbolized and the gaze of your hearts should be turned heavenward, where our risen Lord is seated and pours out by His Spirit good gifts to all men, including this means of grace.  

Broken for you is the Bread of Life, the Word incarnate, the Son of Man who was lifted up, that all who believe in Him would have life eternal. 

So with believing hearts, Come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.