I n a sense, every meal is sacred. We “bless” God each time we sit down to eat. But in the Bible, one meal is more important and meaningful than all the rest.
TALKING ABOUT THE LORD’S SUPPER
Formal churches refer to the Lord’s Supper as “Eucharist”-which means “to give thanks.” This describes what we do when we receive the Lord’s Supper. Independent churches call the Lord’s Supper “Communion” in reference to our communion with Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:16 This word describes what occurs during the Lord’s Supper. It is in 1 Corinthians 11:20 that we find the term “The Lord’s Supper.”
THE USE OF SYMBOLS
Worship makes use of rituals and symbols to represent spiritual truth. Symbols put within our reach invisible and intangible realities. They’re powerful tools for worship. The ingredients of the Lord’s Supper are simple; bread and wine. Jesus gave them new meaning. They are symbols of His body, which was “broken for us”, and His blood which was “poured out for us.” Thus the cross of Jesus is the key to our relationship with God.
THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE LORD’S SUPPER
Throughout history, God revealed Himself through great acts. As wonderful as these great acts were, they raised a problem for later generations. How can we have the same relationship with God if we haven’t experienced the same events? The answer is worship. Rituals re-present those events. Through rituals we bring into the present, events from the past. In this way, all the benefits of those events become ours. We don’t try to relieve the events, but encounter the God of those events. The Lord’s Supper enables us to receive the benefits of Jesus’ death. We encounter God and seal a covenant relationship with Him (see Matthew 26:28).
THE TIMELESS ELEMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Today we stand between two great events-Jesus’ first and second coming-and we’re to live in the dynamic power of them. Somehow the Lord’s Supper connects us to both. Jesus designed the Lord’s Supper for us who live in the middle of His two comings. He told His disciples, “Do this in remembrance of me,” but He also told them “I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Paul makes the same point when he says by receiving the Lord’s Supper we “proclaim his death until he comes.” We don’t have the resurrection or return of Christ in our grasp, but we do have the Lord’s Supper. This is how Jesus presents Himself to us now and nourishes our spiritual life.
THE MYSTICAL ELEMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
It isn’t enough for followers of Jesus to hear His teaching. His life must somehow enter us. This is what happens when we receive the Lord’s Supper. Jesus enters us, not through the bread and wine, but through faith. The Lord’s Supper provides us with direct access to God. Whenever we observe it, we treat it with reverence. But remember, the Lord’s Supper is for people who need help. It’s for us who have weakness, pain, trouble, and pears. The Lord’s Supper renews our hearts and refreshes our spirits. And it helps us to become intimate with Jesus.
If you have Questions, Please give us a call. Calvary Chapel Paradise (530) 873-3114
Thank you Capo Beach Calvary for the use of this resource!