Looks of the Lord’s Supper

Some Biblical thoughts to help us when we partake Communion

by Aaron J. Dodson

Title: The Significance of the Lord's Supper: A Christian Reflection

Introduction:

Partaking in the Lord's Supper can often be a challenging endeavor. Distractions, whether they be fleeting thoughts, worldly concerns, personal trials, or even the whims of weather, can sometimes obscure the sanctity of this sacred ritual. However, it is imperative to recognize that the Lord has both commanded and desired that we partake in the Lord's Supper every Lord's Day, serving as a means to remember His profound sacrifice (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26; Acts 20:7). The Lord's Day is a unique opportunity for us to worship God, nurture our spiritual growth, and receive blessings from Him, provided we approach it with the right mindset and the right actions (cf. John 4:23-24).

Communion's Purpose:

But what exactly is Communion designed to accomplish, and how can we maintain focus during this sacred rite? Let's contemplate the "looks of the Lord's Supper," which serve as guiding principles:

1. Look Backward (1 Corinthians 11:24-25):

As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are encouraged to cast our gaze backward. The unleavened bread symbolizes Christ's selfless sacrifice, reminding us of His body (verse 24). The cup, i.e., the fruit of the vine, symbolizes His shed blood, shed for the forgiveness of our sins and to establish the New Covenant (verse 25). In this retrospective act, we are called to remember His death and to cultivate hearts filled with gratitude.

- We remember that He died, which stands as a fundamental fact of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

- We remember why He died: for our sins (1 Peter 2:24).

- We remember how He died: willingly and out of His love for us (Romans 5:8).

When we look back during Communion, we are not merely recalling historical events; we are actively participating in profound spiritual realities. Our engagement in Communion signifies our fellowship with God through Jesus, who offered Himself for our salvation.

2. Look Outward (1 Corinthians 11:26a-b):

The act of consuming the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine serves as a declaration to the world. It proclaims our faith in Jesus' sacrificial and redemptive death. In this declaration of faith, we confess our belief in Christ's atoning death to save us from our sins.

- Communion becomes one of the ways we confess Jesus before others (Hebrews 10:23). The next time you partake in the Lord's Supper, remember that your participation serves as a proclamation of your faith in Jesus' redemptive work.

3. Look Forward (1 Corinthians 11:26c):

As we observe the Lord's Supper, we do so with an eye on the future. We partake with the acknowledgment that He will indeed return, just as the angels proclaimed when He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11). The return of Jesus, a future event known as the second bodily coming, constitutes the hope of every faithful child of God (Hebrews 9:28). As we partake in Communion, let us contemplate this blessed promise.

- Jesus not only died for us but also rose from the dead, ascended to heaven to mediate on our behalf, and will one day return to receive us to Himself (John 14:1-4; 1Thess. 4:13-17).

- When Jesus returns, we shall be transformed to be like Him and see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). This profound truth should permeate our thoughts as we commune during the Lord's Supper.

4. Look Within (1 Corinthians 11:27-30):

The apostle Paul admonished the Church to partake of the Lord's Supper in a worthy manner. This does not imply that we must be worthy to partake but rather that we must examine the manner in which we partake. In other words, we should contemplate our actions and attitudes as we remember the Lord's death in Communion.

- We need to consider the significance of what we are doing and reflect upon the Lord's death in Communion.

5. Look Upward (Matthew 26:29):

As we partake in the Lord's Supper, our gaze should be directed upward, toward Christ our Savior. He is with us during this sacred act, as promised, for we are citizens of His kingdom (Colossians 1:13). By focusing on Christ, we are drawn into closer fellowship with Him, reflecting the central reality of the Christian faith.

6. Look Around (Luke 22:17; cf. 1 Cor. 11:20):

Jesus instructed His apostles to share the Lord's Supper among themselves. When God's people partake of Communion, we engage in fellowship with our fellow saints. This event is a collective activity shared by all members of the kingdom on Sundays. Our fellowship in this memorial extends to the brethren sitting beside us, across the room, in another location across town, and indeed, all around the world. All who are in fellowship with God share in this collective bond (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

Conclusion:

As we partake in the Lord's Supper, let us adopt a posture of gratitude for Christ's sacrificial act. We should look back in appreciation of His sacrifice, look outward to boldly proclaim our faith, look forward to His promised return, look within to partake thoughtfully, look upward to Christ, and look around to appreciate the sacred bond of brotherhood. When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, He gave thanks, and so should we, not only in our prayers before partaking but also in our grateful thoughts as we partake of this blessed memorial (Matthew 26:26-27; Mark 14:22-23; Luke 22:17, 19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24). In Communion, we remember, proclaim, anticipate, examine, and engage in fellowship, all with Christ at the center of our devotion.