Scripture teaches that Christians are to observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). As is always the case when Christians try to engage in something that brings glory to God, our enemy Satan seeks opportunities to discourage us from observing the Lord’s Supper properly. The fact that the Lord’s Supper is observed every week can breed a sense of complacency if we are not careful. Also, some Christians may allow their minds to be distracted by any number of things (kids, noises, worldly cares, etc.) during the Lord’s Supper. In addition, some people may not be fully aware of the purposes for which we observe the Lord’s Supper. Scripture warns about being disciplined during our observation of this solemn feast: “Whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:27).
The purposes of the Lord’s Supper include a commemoration of the death of Jesus on the cross (Luke 22:19), a communion or fellowship with Christ and with fellow believers (1 Cor. 10:14-22; 11:33), and a proclamation to the world that we trust in what Jesus has accomplished for us on the cross (1 Cor. 11:26).
Having said all this, what are some practical things Christians could think about during the Lord’s Supper?
Scriptures — In order to really reflect on what Jesus has done for us, many Christians choose to read or reflect on Scripture during the Lord’s Supper. Every Lord’s day we here at Edgewood have a Scripture reading to help us think about the Lord’s sacrifice for us. Some wonderful Scriptures to memorize, read, and meditate on during the Lord’s Supper are: Psalm 22; Isaiah 53; Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19; Romans 5:6-11; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; Ephesians 2; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 9-10; and Revelation 5. There are many, many more passages that deal with the greatness of Jesus’ death for us, but these are likely some of the more familiar and popular.
Songs — Another way to discipline our minds to truly and properly observe the Lord’s Supper is to think about songs that express the true meaning of what is being done:
“What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus…”
“Alas and did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that Sacred Head for such a worm as I?”
“See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down, did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?”
“I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean…”
“O, the love that drew salvation’s plan! O, the grace that brought it down to man, O the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!”
“Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
“…It tells me of a Savior’s love, who died to set me free; it tells me of His precious blood, the sinner’s perfect plea. Oh, how I love Jesus!”
“Oh the depth and the riches of God’s saving grace, flowing down from the cross for me…”
May all who are Christians truly worship God by their worthy observance of the Lord’s Supper. —JB