Many Are One

In Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper,” Judas is depicted as having his elbows on the table. Some people believe this might have influenced our current etiquette rule that discourages putting elbows on the table during a meal. When we come together to remember the great blessing that Christ poured out in sacrificing Himself for us, we are drawn together in powerful ways. We are humbled as we consider the deep love He has, not only for us, but for everyone. Realizing how willingly He forgives us obligates us to forgive each other. This results in reconciliation and unity.

Jesus says that if we accept the sacrifice of His body that was broken for us, we are His body. Millions of believers become “one bread and one body” because we all accept what Christ has done for us, the overwhelming gift He has given.

Paul says that in Christ “we, though many, are one.”

What does it mean to be one? It doesn’t mean we will all have the same ideas on how to accomplish things. We are individuals for a reason; we have various strengths and gifts. But if we use them together to further Christ’s work, we are unified in that and we form one body in purpose.

How important is it to be one? Jesus specifically asks us to love one another. Our unity and love for each other are signs to the world that we really are His disciples.

Key Bible Texts

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17 KJV)