Contention Over Communion


Yesterday while nearing Panera Bread, I noticed a man with a sign begging on a divider. I pulled into the parking lot and then walked over to the intersection and offered him a bag of Doritos. He gratefully accepted them. Then I gave him a gospel tract and asked, “Do you know that God loves you and has an awesome plan for your life?”

This man claimed to be a priest and has been living in his car for a year. He then went on to complain about the Masons and other organizations. Wanting to “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes” (2 Timothy 2:23), I asked what he knew about Jesus Christ. He referred to Him as his brother but went on to say he will never take communion because the Lord said to “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood…” (John 6:53)


This self-proclaimed priest went so far as to call Jesus a vampire. I tried to explain the Bible is full of symbolism such as the Lord calling Himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35). Certainly, He doesn’t expect His disciples to drink His physical blood. That would violate Numbers 17:12, “No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.” I also pointed out Jesus said at the Last Supper, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)


This man also complained about demons influencing the region. I told him, “If you know Jesus, then you have authority over them.” Then he stated again his refusal to partake of communion. I advised him to take it up with Jesus. He continued rambling as I walked away. You cannot reason with people who aren’t teachable.


“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” - Titus 3:9

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