While this meal is partially a symbol of our unity, it’s also been the centerpiece for great strife amongst Christians. There are many doctrinal divisions as to its meaning, the right administration, and who worthy partakers are. Yes, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Pentecostals & Baptists have varying “takes” ranging from sacerdotal to sentimental to superstitious.
As we are Christians, we should strive to understand this meal in accordance with Scripture. Jesus tells us that this bread is His body, and this wine is His blood (Lk. 22:19-20). Jesus commands His disciples to partake of it, and we see the early church doing so daily (Acts 2:24). Paul reiterates Christ’s inaugurating command to partake of this feast in remembrance of Christ (1 Cor. 11:24). Ministers of Christ are called upon to be stewards of these mysteries (1 Cor. 4:1-2). There’s a clear link between OT seeds (e.g. Passover & the Peace Offering) & the NT fruit (1 Cor. 5:8). Finally, we shouldn’t partake with dissolute men (1 Cor. 5:11, 2 Th. 3:10-12).
Putting this all together we observe a few things. Christ is here at this meal, and by this meal is remembered. Christ sits at the head of the table, and has given His ministers the overseeing task of ensuring that no saint is overlooked while barring those who would partake but whose lives are apostate. This is a communal meal, not an exercise in individualism. God’s blessing rests upon this loaf and this cup.
So then, to partake of this Supper is to partake of the blessing of Christ. Jesus blesses this meal, because Jesus is this meal. Those who have eyes to see, and ears to hear, find blessing here in the presence of Christ our head in the midst of Christ’s body.
So come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ…
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