Recently in our fellowship, as we have been working on keys to understanding the Bible, we rediscovered the value of figures of speech. Figures of speech are a legitimate part of speech that gives emphasis to something. A literal statement is enhanced when a figure of speech is used. When it comes to the Bible, figures of speech are the Holy Spirit’s markings of what is really important.
This Easter season, many will be partaking in communion where they recognize the value of Jesus Christ’s broken body and His shed blood. It is interesting to note that in God’s Word, the statement that describes the two parts of communion are a dynamic figure of speech. In fact the figure of speech employed is one of the more emphatic ones.
God does not describe or associate the eating of the bread is like or similar to Jesus’ broken body and the drinking from the cup is like or similar to Jesus’ shed blood. This would be the figure of speech called simile. But the Heavenly Father uses a much stronger figure of speech, a metaphor, stating the bread is Jesus’ broken body for our healing and the drinking of the cup of wine is Jesus’ shed blood for the forgiveness of sins.
While some denominations literally interpret the bread being His physical body and the blood being His physical blood, we should recognize the figure of speech used and take to heart what we are doing during the communion service.
Jesus Christ shared this act of eating and drinking to bring to remembrance the magnitude of His broken body and His shed blood. As we partake of the bread we remember that “by His stripes we are healed,” we come away from communion physically delivered. As we partake of the cup representing His shed blood, we remember that we have been forgiven of our sins and broken fellowship. We come away from communion mentally delivered, having no sense of condemnation because of His shed blood.
Take to heart when you partake of the communion service, the incredible deliverance you have in the finished work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You are healed! You are free from sin! Praise the Lord! “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made [you] us free,…” Galatians 5:1.
Agape,
Bob