Sermon Devotional: Partaking Jesus

Scripture:  1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV)


There are many realities of life with Christ that are simply too rich, too multifaceted, too grand, too mysterious to be captured by a single word or a single description. The reality of which Paul speaks in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 is precisely one of these realities. Over the course of the history of the church and continuing today, this reality is variously referred to as “Communion,” “the Eucharist,” and “the Lord’s Table” or “the Lord’s Supper.” Each one of these highlights an important truth about partaking of bread and cup.

The term “Communion” highlights first and foremost our relationship with God in Christ, and secondly the fellowship we share with followers of Christ. We gather together with other Christ-followers to come before God and to remember Christ’s saving work on the cross. We don’t do this alone. We remember His broken body and His shed blood. And in remembering together before God, we testify to each other that through the death and resurrection of Christ, and only through the death and resurrection of Christ, we have been saved. Hallelujah!

Many churches rightly refer to this practice as “the Eucharist,” a term that speaks of thanksgiving. The right response to God’s gracious and loving provision of salvation through the death and resurrection of His one and only Son must be anchored in thanks. Jesus coming to earth as a human being, while also being God, was and is a gift. His life and teachings were and are a gift. His saving death and resurrection was and is a gift. Sharing His table is a gift. How can we not respond by saying “Thanks be to God!”

The bread that we eat honors the broken body of Christ, and the cup we drink honors the shed blood of Christ. When His final betrayals and unjust persecution are imminent, He organizes and hosts a final meal, “the last supper,” with His closest followers . . . and closest betrayers. Every time we break the bread and take the cup we echo this last supper. (The “last” for now . . . until we join in the marriage supper of the Lamb [Rev. 19:6-9].) So, it is only right that one of the ways we refer to this partaking is to call it “The Lord’s Supper” or “The Lord’s Table,” for it truly is His . . . it is all about Him. Praise God.

Each of these three appellations highlights something of the reality of Christ’s atoning work on the cross. At the same time, there are several affirmations associated with all of them. We can recall and celebrate Christ’s sacrificial death because of His subsequent victorious resurrection and ascension. If Christ was not raised from the dead and is not alive today we could recall but we could not celebrate. We recall and celebrate not only His (past) death and resurrection but His certain (future) coming again. The “last” supper—and even Easter—is not the end of Christ’s story. We not only recall, but we also look forward in hope. We approach our recalling and celebration thoughtfully (not casually), thankfully (not unappreciatively), prayerfully (for this is His table).

Everything that has been observed and said here is summarized in one word that is sometimes included when these appellations are employed: holy. Holy Communion. The Holy Eucharist. The Holy Table. Thanks be to God!

Consider –
╬   Each of the three titles described here reflects one or more aspects of receiving Christ’s bread and cup. Which one resonates the most with your experience of receiving these holy elements? Why?

╬   As you anticipate the next time you receive the bread and cup, how might you freshly prepare yourself for this? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and enable you.

╬   Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus to live, die and be resurrected. Thank you, Jesus, for giving your life and feeding us in the bread and cup, Thank you for meeting us in your Table. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.