What's the Big Deal About the Lord's Supper?

From a message by Jon Alsdorf

Every Sunday at many churches, believers gather to participate in a simple yet profound act: communion, also known as the Lord's Supper. For some, this weekly practice might seem routine - a small piece of bread and a tiny cup of juice. But this seemingly modest meal carries extraordinary significance that reaches back to the cross and forward to eternity.

Why Do We Take Communion Every Sunday?
The practice of regular communion isn't just tradition - it's rooted in the earliest days of the church. In Acts 2:46, we see that the first believers were "day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes." This "breaking bread" wasn't just sharing a meal; it was the Lord's Supper, a central part of their devotion and community life.

When Paul writes to various churches, he doesn't spend much time explaining communion because it was already a universal practice. Every believer understood its importance and participated regularly. This wasn't something they did occasionally to keep it "special" - it was as essential as prayer and Bible reading.

What Makes the Lord's Supper So Important?
It Was Instituted by Jesus Himself
Unlike many church traditions that developed over time, communion comes directly from Jesus. On the night before His crucifixion, during the Passover meal, Jesus took bread and wine and gave them new meaning. As recorded in Matthew 26:26-28, He said, "Take, eat, this is my body... this is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

This wasn't a suggestion or a good idea - it was a command from our Savior. When we participate in communion, we're not just following tradition; we're being obedient to Christ's direct instruction.

It's Intimately Connected to the Atonement
The atonement - Christ's death, burial, and resurrection - is the central theme of all Scripture. Everything in the Bible either points toward the cross or flows from it. The closer any biblical practice is to the atonement, the more important it is.

Communion is directly tied to the atonement. Jesus explicitly connected the bread to His body and the cup to His blood, both given for our salvation. This isn't just a memorial service; it's a celebration of the very heart of our faith - that Christ died to reconcile us to God.

It Looks Both Backward and Forward
Communion serves as both remembrance and anticipation. We look back to the cross, remembering Christ's sacrifice for our sins. But we also look forward to His return. Jesus said He wouldn't drink of the fruit of the vine again until He drinks it new with us in His Father's kingdom.

This means we're actually rehearsing for something eternal. The marriage feast of the Lamb awaits us, where we'll celebrate with Christ forever. Every communion service is practice for that ultimate celebration.

How Should We Approach Communion?
With Proper Self-Examination
Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 about taking communion in an "unworthy manner." This doesn't mean we need to be perfect - none of us are worthy on our own merit. Rather, it means we should examine ourselves honestly, recognizing our need for Christ's sacrifice.

The person who takes communion unworthily is someone who doesn't recognize their need for Jesus or who treats the ordinance carelessly. When we examine ourselves, we should be led to the conclusion: "Oh, how I need Jesus!"

With Love for the Body of Christ
Paul's concern in Corinthians wasn't just about individual worthiness, but about how believers treated each other during communion. The Corinthian church was divided - the wealthy ate first and well, while the poor were left with scraps.

"Discerning the body" means recognizing and loving the community of believers around us. Communion is a community act, not a private devotion. We take it together because we are the body of Christ together.

Why Is Communion Exclusive?
Communion is an invitation specifically for believers in Christ. While churches don't typically check membership cards, the reality is that only those who have placed their faith in Jesus can truly participate in communion. For unbelievers, it's just bread and juice. For believers, it's a profound spiritual act of remembrance and anticipation.

This exclusivity isn't meant to be harsh - it's an invitation. There's a seat at this table for anyone who believes. The invitation goes out to the whole world: "You can have a place here too."

Life Application
This week, approach communion with fresh eyes and a prepared heart. Before next Sunday, spend time in honest self-examination. Ask yourself: Do I truly understand my need for Christ's sacrifice? Am I harboring any bitterness or division with fellow believers that needs to be addressed?

Consider making communion a more intentional part of your spiritual life. Don't let it become routine in a careless way, but let it become a habit that draws you deeper into relationship with Christ and His body.

Questions for Reflection:

• How has your understanding of communion changed after learning about its deep significance?
• Are there any relationships in the church that need healing before you next take communion?
• What does it mean to you personally that Christ has invited you to His table?
• How can you better prepare your heart each week for this sacred act of remembrance and anticipation?

Remember, communion isn't just about looking back at what Christ did - it's about celebrating what He's still doing and anticipating what He will do when He returns. Every time you participate, you're proclaiming His death until He comes again.