|
|
|
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
New International Version (NIV)
| |
|
Can we still partake of the Lord’s Supper while we keep our social distance from each other? Theologians and pastors express different opinions. Some think we should wait until we can be together. Others think we need to do it as often as possible so doing it online will be helpful. What do you think?
In the first century church of Corinth, too, believers divided over the Lord’s Supper. Some of the members brought full meals to eat, while others went hungry. Paul advised the Corinthians not to call that the Lord’s Supper. If we divide over the supper we defeat the purpose of the supper.
So as we partake of the Lord’s Supper this Good Friday, what does it mean? This text is the earliest New Testament mention of the Lord’s Supper. Paul’s letters were likely written before the four Gospels. Paul saw the Lord’s Supper as a holy celebration entrusted by Christ. “What I received I passed on to you . . .” Paul had taught them while he was in Corinth. As they celebrated with thanksgiving, they remembered Christ. This holy commemoration of Christ was also a holy proclamation of Christ’s death. The church preaches when the church eats the Lord’s Supper. We only do this until Christ comes, so the supper becomes a holy anticipation of Christ’s return: “until he comes.”
The meaning of the Lord’s Supper transcends the method of doing it. Some churches practice intinction, the dipping of the bread in the cup. Some use wine while Baptists use grape juice. The whole event lends itself to unity. To be able to eat and drink, together, while we are separated in our homes is in itself a good gift through technology. So be sure to get your bread and cup ready. Like Jesus’ disciples on the night before the crucifixion, we will eat and drink, remember, give thanks, and proclaim as we anticipate Christ’s return. And we will long for the day we can come together again, in unity of Spirit as the gathered body of Christ.
| |
|
Pray with me:
Father, how we thank you for the body and blood of your Son. We eat and drink to remember all you have done for us in Christ. Unite the body of Christ around the world as we refuse to let an illness defeat our united purpose in worship. May our proclamation of Christ’s death call others to trust in him. Help us to live with eyes to the sky, anticipating your return and the consummation of the ages. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
| |
|
Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:
Matthew 5:29-30
If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
| |
| Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.
Joyfully,
Duane
| |
|
|
|
|
