God's Giving Gift

Then he took a loaf of 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.”

And he did the same with the cup after supper.

Luke 22:19-20

United Methodists practice open communion, meaning all at worship are invited to partake. The church proclaims that the table of Holy Communion is Christ’s table. The table is open to anyone who seeks to respond to Christ’s love and seeks to lead a new life of peace and love.

Communion is God's gifts to God's people given through Jesus Christ which Methodists call a "means of grace". 

My Pastoral education taught me that who does or does not receive communion is not up for discussion.  Communion begins with God’s grace and love as seen in Jesus Christ who didn't make any decisions about who received God's gift. All the disciples present, Judas included, received. He just gave. Period. End of discussion. 

That's what Paul did in 1 Corinthians 11:23: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you." He gave. Paul was aware that the churches role is to receive from the Lord what we have been given and pass it on.

Jesus' sharing the bread and wine have been linked with Isaiah 53:12 which refers to a blood sacrifice that, as recounted in Exodus 24:8, Moses offered in order to seal a covenant with God. Jesus' actions began with God. 

God's gift of communion is a means of grace, therefore, the church doesn't decide who receives it.

One last thought. Sometimes when communion is served using a broken loaf, people will take from the center because they don't like the crust. 

    Jesus gives, we don't take. 

    One is fussy about the gift Jesus gives because it has a crust?

Oh, come on.