Weekly Discussion Guide

GROUP DISCUSSION
1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Share your story: What’s the craziest “food and drink” you’ve ever used for communion during the COVID lockdown? (For example, cookies and pineapple juice, or pizza crust and iced tea.) (7-10 min)
3. Read John 6:53-58, Matthew 26:26-29.
4. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)

Looking back at your notes from this week’s message, was there anything you heard for the first time, stuck with you, challenged or confused you?

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, until you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:53-54)

Why did Jesus say something so perplexing? What is it about what Jesus said here that would get people talking—perhaps to the point of polarization? Why do you think He didn’t explain what He meant until later?

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29)

What are you reminded about when you take communion?

What can you do to prevent communion from becoming an empty ritual for you?

For example: If you were to recite this part of the Lord’s prayer while taking communion, what difference would it make?

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12)

LIVING IN 4D
How would you explain communion to a 35-year-old young man, (neighbor, cousin, nephew, etc.) who has no idea what the ritual means?

What is the one important thing you will take away from this weekend’s message or our community group discussion? Is there any challenge, difficulty or praise that you would like to share with the group for prayer?