The Lord’s Supper

When I was little girl, there were specific Sundays we celebrated the Lord’s Supper. I remember looking forward to eating the broken up crackers and drinking the sweet grape juice. As a little girl, I wasn’t concerned about what each item represented; all I was concerned about was grabbing the biggest piece of cracker and enjoying the juice. For some reason, that cracker and that juice tasted so good.

Then, the women and men would go around and wash each other’s feet. During the washing of the feet, I thought it was a little strange to see the Pastor, his wife, and other adults get down on the floor and wash the congregation’s feet. However, I looked forward to the washing of the feet part (not for any spiritual reasons) because it felt really nice having someone else wash my feet.

Now that I’m older I have a clear understand of why we celebrated the Lord Supper. Everything that was done that night represented something special.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’” (Matt. 26:26-28 NKJV)

During the Passover Week, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. All four Gospels give an account of Jesus and His disciples eating the meal on the eve of His crucifixion. Jesus explained to His disciples what the bread and the wine symbolized. He also demonstrated to His disciples the purpose for washing their feet.

The bread (crackers) symbolizes His body that would be offered up as a sacrifice for the world. The wine (grape juice) symbolizes the blood that would pour out of His body for the forgiveness of sins, and the washing of the feet demonstrates humility (John 13:1-17). Jesus humbled Himself, became a servant (a human), and was obedient to God. Thereby, relinquishing His will to die a criminal’s death on the cross (Phil. 2:7-9).

I understand, now, that the Lord’s Supper is something more than just nibbling on crackers and drinking juice. When I partake in the Lord’s Supper, The Eucharist (which means to give thanks), I am remembering all that my Lord did for me. I’m remembering that He gave His life for me. I’m remembering Jesus exchanged my life for His. I’m remembering the agony and the suffering that He went through for me.

By taking the Lord’s Supper, we are showing our gratitude, our indebtedness, our appreciation to our Savior. As we partake in the Lord’s Supper, remember the cross. Think about the beating, the abuse, the cruelty and the blood that ran down our Savior’s face and body.

As a Believer, when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we must understand the magnitude of our Father’s love. Remember the demonstration of our Savior’s amazing and great love, and because He loves us so much, He went through all of that for you and me.

My sister, the next time we partake in the Eucharist, give thanks and remember! Let’s thank God for the cross. Let us remember all that Jesus endured just to save us, sinful people. The Lord’s Supper is more than just snacking on crackers and drinking juice. It commemorates the life Jesus gave so that you and I may have everlasting life.

During your Quiet Time read First Corinthians 11:17-34 and allow God’s Word to bring you joy!!

Read parts 1-4 of “The Week He Changed Everything” Devotional Series.

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