The Lord's Supper Again

As a congregation we have the Lord’s Supper several times a year. In addition we may have taken part in the Supper in other places. It is possible for us to become used to the Lord’s Supper or to treat it as if it is so high that we cannot understand what is going on during it. 

The one thing that we should not be at the Lord’s Table is lazy. If I sat at someone’s table and did not use my eyes, hands and mouth to enjoy what was provided, it would be my own fault if I had nothing to eat. At the Lord’s Supper, our minds and hearts should be active in considering spiritual things.

At the Supper, we express our affection for Jesus. We are to use the elements of bread and wine to say why and how we love him. This is one reason why the Supper is called a communion. The bread reminds us of his body, and we should think about it and what he did with it. The cup of wine reminds us of his blood poured out for us on the cross. Looking at the bread and the wine should affect our hearts and bring about fresh love for Jesus.

Moreover, at the Lord’s Supper, we also reveal our choice of people with whom to be identified. Eating together has throughout history been an occasion for bonding. There are many reasons why we should not sin, and one of them concerns causing pain to any of God’s people. In fact, if we have wrong thoughts or actions against other believers we should not be at the Table, and Jesus knows that.

Taking part in the Lord’s Supper also includes anticipation of glory. The Supper is never a destination, but only one of a set of stations on a journey. Each occasion brings us closer to the destination, which is the presence of God. Of course, this will occur at the resurrection. Until then, it is good for us to remind ourselves that we will yet be like the glorified Saviour, and so too will those believers sitting with us at his Table each time we are there.