This Sunday we’ll celebrate the Lord’s Supper. For most of us (except those who attend the 8.30am service), it will be the first time in over a year that we’ve participated in this event. It’s been one of the many parts of life affected by the pandemic. As we resume this special meal, it’s worth reminding ourselves why it’s so significant.
On the night before Jesus died, he celebrated the Passover with his disciples. The Passover is a meal that commemorated God’s rescue of his people from slavery in Egypt. The Israelites remembered that the blood of a lamb was shed so that they could be freed.
The Lord’s Supper is our family meal.
During that Passover meal, Jesus explained that an even greater rescue was to take place. He broke bread, giving it to his disciples, saying that his body would be broken for them. He shared wine with them, saying his blood would be shed for them. In an incredible way, Jesus was indicating that he was the true Passover Lamb who gives his life for his people. At the conclusion of that meal, Jesus told his disciples to celebrate this supper with one another until he returns. Christians have been doing this ever since.
What does this meal mean for us?
First, it’s a very visual and physical way of remembering the gospel. We slow down and reflect on Jesus’ sacrificial love for us. We confess our own spiritual brokenness and need for saving (1 Cor 11:28-29). We give thanks for the forgiveness he has won for us through his death. We resolve again to serve Jesus, because he has given everything for us.
Second, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper as a family meal. Most of us are used to meals with our own families, but the Lord’s Supper is a meal with our spiritual family. Even though we have different backgrounds, nationalities, and languages, our faith in Jesus binds us together in an incredibly intimate way. The Lord’s Supper reminds us of our deep common bond. As we remember the peace that Jesus has given us with God, we’re also reminded to seek reconciliation and forgiveness with others where it’s needed.
The Lord’s Supper is our family meal, a wonderful reminder of what Jesus has done for us.
