Communion and Your Junior Higher

January, 2008

by: Walt Robertson

In I Corinthians 11:24-25, Jesus says of communion, “Do this.” That’s a command that Jesus gave to the disciples in the room with him, but because Paul is writing under inspiration of the Holy Spirit to Christians in Corinth who were called to salvation a long time after Jesus’ resurrection, we know that Jesus also meant it to all Christians throughout time. So, if your son or daughter is a Christian, then he or she should be partaking of communion in obedience to Jesus.

As we consider communion, I’d like to look specifically at two aspects. Participation in communion does not depend upon passing a special test or being baptized, but communion is for Christians. It is important to be regularly evangelizing your child and to ask the question, “Are you are Christian?” Talk to your son or daughter ahead of time and if they are not saved or unsure, letting them know that it’s best to let the plates pass by without participating. During the Jr. High years, it is common to see that understanding of the Gospel grows and assurance of salvation often goes back and forth. I encourage you to continue to evangelize your child even if you have previously been convinced that he or she is saved.

Communion at Calvary is generally on the last Sunday of the month. It would be a good idea to have a special talk as a family about the significance of communion during family devotions the week before. In the pew, on Sunday morning, as the plates are being passed is not the time or place to bring up the discussion.

If your unsaved son or daughter participates in communion in ignorance or a false belief that he or she is a Christian, it is not a special condemnation to them. What is meant by partaking in an “unworthy manner?”

Next month: Partaking in an Unworthy Manner.