The Christian church — with more than 34,000 denominations worldwide — is divided.
Loyalty to a particular school of thought or theology drives heated debates, physical violence, shunning and divorces.
But on Oct. 4, World Communion Sunday, Christians around the world were called to remember that we are united in Jesus Christ as one body — the Body of Christ.
REMEMBERING PASSOVER
Last Sunday, Christians gathered at our Lord’s table, remembering what happened when He sat with his disciples to eat the Passover meal.
Jesus, knowing what was coming — his arrest, interrogation, beating and crucifixion — picked up unleavened bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you.”
Later in the meal, he took the Cup of Elijah — traditionally full of wine, but untouched during the meal. He said, “This cup is the new covenant, sealed in my blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sin.”
The old and new covenants came together to unite God’s people within the Body of Christ.
After he gave them the bread, and after he gave them the cup, he said, “Whenever you do this, remember me.”
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
If we were to truly remember humanity — not just on Sundays, or Wednesdays, but all the time — and what Jesus did for all, would the Body of Christ be more united than it is right now? Would it be healthier?
What if we consistently remembered the feet that walked long, dusty roads to carry the good news of God’s loving grace, so God’s teachings could be heard anew?
What if we consistently remembered the hands that blessed little children; that healed the sick; that took a basin of water to wash his disciples’ feet; that took the bread and the cup and served his disciples at dinner?
What would it be like to consistently remember the depth of his love, a love that ran so deep that it sent him to the cross?
What would it be like for the Body of Christ to continuously remember that Jesus took our sins on himself as a sacrifice, and that our sins have been forgiven, and our punishment removed?
What would it be like to persistently look into his eyes and realize he chose to forgive and never scorn anyone for their mistakes?
FOLLOWING JESUS' EXAMPLE
Jesus chose obedience to God, regardless of the cost to himself. He knew his whole life that he would suffer the most agonizing death.
Yet he remained faithful to God.
He sacrificed himself for the sins of people throughout the world and throughout history.
He laid down his life; he gave everything; and he gave himself.
Are we willing to be living sacrifices, surrendering ourselves completely — our earthly desires, our selfishness, our pride and our ego — to love and serve him?
Are we willing to sacrifice the pursuit of earthly success to pursue holiness?
Are we willing to sacrifice superficiality to pursue the depths of God’s grace?
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Ways to strengthen the body of Christ