LET US BREAK, TORTILLAS?
- Key Verse
And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Communion is more than just bread and juice; it’s about the freedom we received through Jesus’ work on the Cross to live in true fellowship.
Reflections
All I wanted for my birthday one year was a Rocker Barbie. I was convinced she would grant me access into the “popular” girls’ group. Sadly, I was just stuck with a hideously ugly doll and my first memory of feeling rejected. As I grew up and encountered greater issues than buying dolls, I engaged in relationships with guys, comparison with other girls, and telling myself I wasn't worthy of acceptance. I began my walk with God in middle school, but still could not seem to shake the struggle of feeling rejected, alone, and unworthy.
Almost three years ago, God brought a group of like-hearted women into community. After a year together, we had several weeks of informal dinner “meetings” at Gloria’s on Greenville. This time of fellowship led to the destruction of walls we each had built around our hearts as we shared deep hurts, fears, and praises, and as we enjoyed each other. What we thought were simple dinners turned into sweet memories for each of us and were the jumping-off point for unfathomable, intentional community.
Jesus exemplified fellowship in the truest sense of the word and paid the price through His death and resurrection so that we may be in communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In 26:27, He not only shared the cup with the disciples, He commanded them all to drink from it together. We are not called to walk this life alone or in secret. We have the perfect Trinity and fellow believers to commune with daily.
Last year, God revealed to me the depths of my fears of rejection and feelings of unworthiness. It was an excruciating year as I encountered things I never thought possible and battled depression. Praise God, He did not leave me to struggle alone. My community linked arms, pursued me, loved me, and encouraged me in Christ. I am not perfect, but they know me well and point out when I am not trusting God’s Truth.
What may have started as just breaking tortillas together led to intentionally sharing life. To Him be the glory.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation through grace? If so, are you living in its fullness? If not, what is your hesitation; are you willing to talk with someone and pursue God for answers?
2. Do you view communion as simply eating a piece of bread and drinking a mini cup of grape juice or as a time of remembrance and precious fellowship with our Creator and other believers?
3. Do you have a group of believers who know you well, even your scariest sins/fears, and can walk alongside you in Christ? If not, are you willing to find it or lead out in authenticity within your current group?
4. What is your biggest fear about sharing your sins and struggles? I pray you see the beauty and freedom in sharing to grow closer to our God.
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Betray: to turn against a friend and cause them harm. Have you ever betrayed or been betrayed by someone?
2. How did your story of betrayal end?
3. How do you think Jesus’ story of betrayal will end?
Caroline Cumbie
April 9, 2010 07:11 AM
I love your insight, Sarah. Your authenticity and courage continue to challenge me to be more honest with myself and the Lord. Thank you for your beautiful heart! Miss seeing you regularly!
Millye Hale
April 9, 2010 07:12 AM
Dear Sarah, Thanks for your sweet message this morning. It moved me as a recall some of those same feelings in my journey to a realtionship with Christ. My youngest daughter(4th grade) and I started a bible study this spring with girls in her new school. When asked one day what lies does the world tell young girls? Hands shot up. Not really sure how they would take that question the first said...that you have to be skinny, the next that you have to wear makeup, that you have to wear expensive clothes. It made me sad that the world had already etched into the hearts of these innocent young girls. But it encouraged me to lean in and help rewrite the script that they hopefully will draw from in times of need. (Psalm 139:14) I have an 11th grade girl also and it is so great that you pour into these young ladies and share your story with them. It does take a village and I am so grateful for all that serve with our young people. It always moves me to see these transparent young adults serving and loving in this capacity. Also the Hale's do love Mexican food and I will never think of "Glory- a's the same!
Sarah Welch
April 9, 2010 07:27 AM
Sweet friend, I love you and am so thankful that I have the privilege of getting to walk through life with you. Being in community with you is definitely a gift from the Lord.
Mike Shelton
April 9, 2010 08:29 AM
Great devo Sarah! You have such a gift in writing, and it is such an honor to serve with you in student ministries!
Sue Bohlin
April 10, 2010 03:35 AM
Wonderful devo, Sarah! This passage hit me differently than it ever had before because I just finished the fourth book in the Twilight series, where eating/drinking blood figures prominently. In passing these books through the grid of a biblical worldview, I am always aware of the fact that both the Old and New Testaments prohibit partaking in blood. . . and I wonder if one of the reasons might be because of its powerful symbolism that hits one of its highest points in this event in the Lord Jesus' life. "This is the cup of My blood, drink from it"--a kind of blood that is so precious to imbibe (spiritually, with the physical symbol of the fruit of the vine) that all other forms of consuming blood are an obscene counterfeit and thus prohibited? Still thinking on that. . . .
Marni
April 13, 2010 09:57 AM
Sarah, thanks for sharing so openly about your life! I echo the importance you have placed on living in communion with other believers. When my husband and I married nearly 3 years ago, I mistakenly fell into the lie that I didn't really need fellowship with other women anymore, since I had a husband. How silly of me! When I finally did get back into community with other women, I was amazed to see the ways the Lord used them in my life. I encourage anyone who is not currently in a small group with other members of the same sex to get in one!