In the story of Joseph, found in Genesis, we encounter the intriguing account of Joseph interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh's chief cupbearer and chief baker. Though their dreams were parallel, the outcomes were drastically different: the cupbearer was restored to his position, while the baker was executed, his head cut off and impaled.

Reflecting on this passage, I was struck by its potential connection to the Lord's Supper, or communion. The bread and wine of communion symbolize the body and blood of Christ. Just as the dreams foretold life for one and death for the other, communion represents both death and life.

In the Genesis account, the baker's death and subsequent impalement can be seen as a representation of the ultimate sacrifice: Christ’s crucifixion. The baker’s body was left for the birds, reminiscent of Jesus' body being given and sacrificed on the cross. The cupbearer, however, was restored, much like how Christ’s resurrection brings life.

When we take the bread during communion, it symbolizes death—dying to sin, sickness, and all forms of spiritual death. Just as the baker faced death, the bread represents taking these negative aspects of life to the cross where they are crucified with Christ. "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24).

The wine, on the other hand, represents the blood of Christ, which is life. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). As we partake of the wine, we acknowledge the life-giving power of Christ’s blood. We proclaim, "Thank you, Lord, for life. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Thank you for the power of your blood to give me life." This blood, shed on the cross, symbolizes the new covenant and the resurrection power that brings us new life. "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4).

In essence, communion is a powerful declaration and a spiritual exchange. When we take the bread, we are declaring the death of our sins, sickness, and every negative situation. "And by his wounds, we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). We nail these to the cross, leaving them there. When we take the wine, we receive life, health, and every spiritual blessing. It is an affirmation of the abundant life Jesus promised. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

Thus, communion is not merely a ritual but a profound encounter with the divine. It’s a moment of exchanging death for life, sickness for health, poverty for prosperity, and foolishness for wisdom. It is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, offering us life and victory over death.

The impalement of the chief baker also serves as a vivid image of Christ's crucifixion. His body was given, his blood spilled, so that we may have life and life more abundantly. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus did not remain in death but overcame it through the power of the Holy Spirit. This victory is available to us through communion.

By partaking in the Lord’s Supper, we can bring our situations before God and experience transformation. The bread signifies the death of our struggles, and the wine signifies the new life we receive through Christ. This sacred act allows us to embrace the fullness of what Jesus accomplished on the cross and in his resurrection.

Complete Scriptures Used:

1. 1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."
2. Leviticus 17:11 - "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."
3. Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
4. Isaiah 53:5 - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed."
5. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."
6. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."