Draw Near And Take The Body Of The Lord

Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord: The Meaning and Significance

When we hear the phrase “draw near and take the body of the Lord”, we might think of the Christian sacrament of Communion, or the Eucharist. The phrase originates from the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Luke, in which Jesus instructs his disciples to “take, eat; this is my body.” Thus, “draw near and take the body of the Lord” is a Christian ritual of taking Communion, which is considered a sacred act of remembrance—a way of connecting with Jesus, of remembering his death and resurrection. Communion is also a way of expressing unity among believers; it is a reminder of Jesus’s words that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

The act of taking Communion is a powerful and meaningful act for Christians—it is a way of coming into the presence of God and of participating in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a reminder of the grace, mercy, and love that God has for us, and it is a way of connecting to Jesus’s atoning sacrifice for our sins. Communion is also a reminder that we are part of something bigger—the global body of Christ—and a reminder of our responsibility to share the gospel with the world.

The History of Communion

The practice of taking Communion dates back to the Last Supper, when Jesus gathered with his disciples to celebrate the Jewish Passover. During this meal, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and shared it with his disciples, saying “This is my body, which is broken for you.” He then took the cup of wine, blessed it, and shared it with his disciples, saying “This is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.” This meal was the first time that Communion, or “the Lord’s Supper”, was celebrated.

Since then, the practice of taking Communion has spread throughout the world, becoming a core part of Christian worship. Most churches today observe Communion at least once a month, usually on the first Sunday of the month. Different denominations have different rituals and practices for taking Communion, but the basic elements remain the same: bread, wine, and a reminder of Jesus’s death and resurrection.

The Spiritual Significance of Communion

For Christians, taking Communion is much more than just a ritual—it is an act of spiritual significance. It is a way of connecting to Jesus and to the grace and mercy of God. It is a reminder of Jesus’s atoning sacrifice for our sins, and a reminder of our responsibility to share the gospel with a lost and dying world. It is a reminder of the global body of Christ, and a reminder of our unity in Christ.

When we take Communion, we are reminded of the love of God and the mercy of Jesus. We are reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit, and of the hope of eternal life. We are reminded that we are never alone, and that God is always with us. We are reminded of the joy of salvation, and of the power of the resurrection. We are reminded that, in Christ, we are loved, forgiven, and made new.

Conclusion

The phrase “draw near and take the body of the Lord” is a reminder of the power and significance of Communion—a sacred act of remembrance, a way of connecting with Jesus, and a reminder of our unity in Christ. It is a reminder of God’s grace, mercy, and love, and of our responsibility to share the gospel with the world. As we take Communion, let us remember the love of God, the mercy of Jesus, and the hope of eternal life.