Communion has its origins in the Jewish Passover, which was observed yearly on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Nisan. As a Jew, Jesus celebrated the Passover throughout his life (Luke 2:41; John 2:23; 6:4). On the last day of his life, he and his disciples first ate the Passover supper. Afterward, Jesus took bread and the wine from the meal and instituted a new memorial (Matthew 26:17, 26-29; Luke 22:7-20). Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). They were no longer to memorialize their deliverance from Egypt but were to instead remember Jesus’ sacrifice.

The Apostle Paul clearly identified Jesus as the antitypical Passover lamb. “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7).  As Israel was to yearly remember their deliverance from Egypt, so Christians are to yearly remember our deliverance from sin and death. The Jewish arrangement makes it appropriate to do only once a year. Anything such as a birthday or anniversary is specially remembered once a year.

Some suggest Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7 refer to believers celebrating communion daily. It is a supposition. These accounts make no mention of the cup (wine), only bread. Every time scriptures mention wine and not bread, should we assume it also refers to communion? No. Believers gathered for an ordinary meal accompanied with blessed, spiritual conversation. In scriptures specific to communion, the bread and cup are always mentioned together (1 Corinthians 10:16, 17; 11:20-29).

Though celebrated yearly, we can and should be thankful for Christ’s sacrifice continually. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14).

Does honoring Jesus’ sacrifice in our hearts bring us healing? It is uplifting to think of Jesus’ willingness to die as an innocent, perfect man in order to redeem mankind. “For as in Adam all die, even so, in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Positive thoughts do assist with good health.

But is physical healing the primary way of God’s dealing with believers today? In the New Testament, Jesus never healed any of his disciples, nor did the apostles heal fellow believers. The apostles healed unbelievers as a way to encourage faith. Remember, Paul suffered with a “thorn in his flesh.” He prayed three times to have it removed and was told no (2 Corinthians 11:7-10). Additionally, Paul could have healed Timothy’s stomach, but instead he encouraged Timothy to “Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23, NIV).

Additional Resources:
(PDF) “Notes on the Passover and the Memorial” Written by Anton Frey, this 37-page treatise compares Israel’s ancient Passover observance with the Memorial of Jesus’ death. Discover how Israel’s freedom from Egyptian slavery illustrates the greater deliverance of mankind from the bondage to sin and death. The Memorial symbols of the bread and the cup are dealt with extensively with lovely personal applications for the consecrated believer.

(PDF) “Heart Communion with Jesus: The Last Week of Jesus” This 43-page booklet traces the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It pieces together the four Gospel accounts endeavoring to offer a sequential order for each day. Also included is the record of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances.

Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1224: Why Should Christians Care About Israel’s Deliverance From Slavery?
Absorbing the profound lessons Israel’s Passover teaches about Jesus
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For more on healing download the free PDF: “Divine Healing”