Four Things to Think About Before Enjoying the Lord’s Supper
Jesus is the king who came “eating and drinking” (Matt. 11:19). He drank wine with sinners. He broke bread with multitudes. Even today, his priestly work continues. He gave us signs and symbols of the gospel: wine (representing his blood) and bread (representing his body). There, in our hands and on our lips, we savour the wonders of God’s love.
Tim Chester shares these words about this meal (sacrament):
“In the preaching of the gospel, God gives us promises in a form we can hear… But in the sacraments, God also gives us the promise of forgiveness in a form we can see, touch, and even taste” (Truth We Can Touch, p. 35).
The Lord’s Supper is enacted Word. It’s an outward and physical sign of the inward and spiritual grace found within the gospel. It’s the message of salvation presented in physical form. In the words of Chester, it’s “truth we can touch.” You might then not be surprised; the Lord’s Supper is precious and full of meaning.
But how can we prepare for it well, both for ourselves and as families?
Here are four points that you might like to discuss around your table this week:
The Lord’s Supper is a meal of remembrance. In the supper, we look back at what Jesus did (Mk. 14:22-25). His blood was shed to wash us clean. His body was broken to offer us forgiveness. He died on the cross for our sins to heal our broken relationship with God. Look back to the cross in wonder.
The Lord’s Supper is also a meal of gratitude. In the supper, we look up to God. He sent his Son from heaven to welcome us into heaven. We praise him for his gift of a perfect sacrifice: “For God so loved the world, that he sent his only Son” (Jn. 3:16). In the meal, we celebrate new life in Jesus. Look up to God with joy.
The Lord’s Supper is a meal of self-reflection. In the supper, we look into our hearts. Before we eat and drink, we must “examine” ourselves (1 Cor. 11:27-30). Ask: “Do I believe in Jesus?” Or: “How is my attitude?” The goal is to come to a meal with a clear conscience, trusting Jesus. Look into your heart with remorse.
The Lord’s Supper is finally a futuristic meal. In the supper, we look forward to the new creation. The Lord will “prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine” (Isa. 25:6). In our eating and drinking, we look forward to the “wedding supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9). Look forward to eternity with hope.
The Lord’s Supper helps us look in four directions: backwards, upwards, inward, and forwards. By faith in Jesus, let us then, in communion, remember the sacrifice of Jesus, celebrate the gift of God, examine our hearts, and look forward to the new world that is on the horizon:
“Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).