"Rethinking" the Lord's Supper

1. The "Title:" I Cor. 11:20 is describing an actual meal, not simply an "imitation" meal. It is, in fact, a real meal where the saints put on display in their practical experience together the accomplishments of the cross-work (11:26). The proper terminology for the "bread and cup" aspect seems more likely to be "the Lord's Table" (see I Cor. 10:21).

Thus two issues are involved: First, a fellowship supper--a supper "belonging to the Lord;" second, the "bread and cup" remembrance of Christ's work for and life in us that makes our fellowship "of the Lord."

2. "Breaking Bread:" In connection with the above, it is noteworthy that the terminology of "breaking bread" has general reference to sharing a meal--i.e., a common meal enjoyed together with others. See Matt. 14:19, John 6:11, Luke 24:30, 35, Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7,11; 27:35.

Luke 22:19, Matt. 26:26 and I Cor. 11:24 indicate that the breaking and distribution of the bread (a not uncommon Scriptural term for "food") was at the beginning of the meal. Luke 22:20's "after supper" and I Cor. 11:25's "when he had supped" puts the taking of the cup after the meal was completed (it seems to be something like our "toasting" an honored on at a special occasion).

Thus: The procedure for "doing" the Lord's Supper and the Lord's Table could be quite different from our current habits and customs (admittedly received mainly from our Protestant forefathers, whom revised the practice of their Roman Cathoic forefathers). I Cor. 11:33,34 seem clear that Paul did not put a premium on the procedure to be followed. It is the doctrine being communicated that is the issue. We are indeed free to shape the procedure into something that will more adequately serve our needs in reflecting our dependence on Christ as our life and His cross as the foundation upon which we rest.

I Cor. 11:17-22, 27-32 clearly indicate we should give careful attention to the manner and spirit with which we carry out this relationship together. Remember that "unworthily" in 11:27 is to eat/drink in an unworthy manner--i.e., in a wrong spirit and attitude (one that violates the spirit of Christian charity and love among the saints). See also I Cor. 5:11 as a possible discipline verse in this venue.

3. The "Bread" and the "Cup:" The two doctrines Jer. 31:31-34 identify in the New Testament are sanctification and justification. This is why the New Testament has affected the Body of Christ. Just as the Old Covenant was not made with us (Rom. 2:14) and yet it certainly affects us (Rom. 3:19,20), so the New Covenant was not made with us (Jer. 31:31,32) and yet it too affects us (II Cor. 3:6). The need for a provision of sanctification and justification is common to all sons of Adam--Jew and Gentile alike-and both are provided for all in Jesus Christ and His work at Calvary. Thus the Bread and Cup are reminders of what Christ is to us as our Life and our Savoir.

**BREAD: symbol of the life of Christ. John 6:31-35=Sanctification; Christ living in us.

**CUP: symbol of the death of Christ. Luke 22:42, John 18:11=Justification; Christ death for/as us.

4. HOW THEN SHOULD WE PARTAKE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER?

First, we (i.e., our assembly) should have a meal together! Second, it should be a meal that belongs to the Lord--one that centers on Him and what He is doing in our midst. It is not enough to eat together, focusing on sports, business, school, etc. We must purpose to focus this time together on the life of Christ in us--concluding with worship and thanksgiving that it is "because of Calvary" (i.e., by God's grace to us in Christ).

It will be the responsibility of our leaders to creatively direct the congregation into this "fellowship together." We do not have to do the same things each time. Certainly it will cause us to draw closer to oneanother in practical terms, if nothing else. This will also provide a natural venue for keep everyone in our core group on the same page agenda wise as we move ahead.

"Let's eat together!"