Jesus came to inaugurate the kingdom of God on earth, and was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to allow you and me to be citizens of that kingdom.  His teachings of the kingdom of heaven, not surprisingly, point us to a stark reality-- no sacrifice that we make to become and remain a joint-heir in that new reality is too great.  When we receive Communion together, we are acknowledging the price He paid for our translation into that kingdom, and looking forward to the day when He will return in power and glory to reign forever.