Pastor column: The significance of the Lord’s Supper
There’s a story about a little girl who went to "grown-up’s church" for the first time. On this Sunday, the congregation was sharing the Lord’s Supper. When the elements were served, she said to her mother, in a loud whisper, “The snack we get in the nursery is much better. And we get a lot more juice.”
It’s clear the little girl didn’t understand the significance of Communion and needed to be taught. In fact, as followers of Jesus, we need to be taught how to better appreciate the Lord’s Supper. In Matthew 26, we read of Jesus instituting Communion and He reveals three significant truths.
The Lord’s Supper reveals the necessity of Christ’s death. “Jesus took bread … gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave it to them saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (vs. 26-28). Because of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, we can experience forgiveness of our sin and enter into a personal relationship with God. It was necessary that Jesus provide redemption through the blood of His cross.
The Lord’s Supper reveals the importance of personal faith. Just as everyone receives nourishment through eating and drinking, everyone receives forgiveness of sin and eternal life through faith in Christ. Jesus used eating and drinking as an illustration of faith. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” (John 6:54).
Eating, in and of itself, does not guarantee proper nourishment. What guarantees proper nourishment is what I eat. Faith, in and of itself, doesn’t guarantee I have a right relationship with God, so what does? It’s who I place my faith in.
We are justified not merely by faith but by faith in Jesus; not because of what faith is but because of what faith lays hold of and receives. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are” (Romans 3:22)
The Lord’s Supper reveals the promise of the Lord’s return. “I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (vs. 29). The Lord’s referring to the day of His return to establish His kingdom — a day when the saints of God will celebrate the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Have you accepted, by faith, the forgiveness available to you through Christ, resulting in a personal relationship with God? If so, are you living your life ready for the Lord’s return? The next opportunity you have to celebrate the Lord’s Supper rejoice in how, through faith, you came into His kingdom and reflect on what you’re doing to see His kingdom come into the hearts of others.
Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: What the Lord's Supper reveals when it comes to faith
