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Why is breaking bread with other followers so important?

Jesus taught and demonstrated that sharing meals together was important. When he fed the crowds, there was a special sense of God's power as food was made more than a meal. He blessed the bread, broke it, and then gave it to His apostles to share with the crowds. After His resurrection, Jesus' first appearances were to His apostles and friends and they shared in meals together. These "normal" meals were made extraordinary as they recognized His presence in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus' followers saw meals as a joyful time and much more than just a time to eat food. Jesus was present! Their fellowship at mealtime was special and was to be protected — exclusion from the fellowship meal was a form of discipline! When Jesus' name was said and His presence was acknowledged, no meal was ordinary.

On the first day of the week, Jesus' followers celebrated a special meal to remember His death on the day of His resurrection. Sunday became known as The Lord's Day. This weekly meal with Christians was a time to recognize that just as Jesus Body was hung on the Cross for them, when they shared in the bread together, they were Jesus' One Body in the world. They needed to care for each other and show respect and concern for each other as Jesus' Body. This special meal was called the Lord's Supper or Communion. It was also know as the Eucharist, because thes was the time they shared the cup of blessing with one another!