Isn’t good bread wonderful? I love bread! Let me make a confession to you. Every once in a while, as I am driving, I’ll just eat some French bread for lunch. I am not talking about sliced sandwich bread I am talking about a part of a single loaf that I have picked up while shopping for groceries. I’ll just tear off part and enjoy as I am on my way to my destination. No mess. No chance of dropping sauce on your shirt or tie because it is just bread. Wash that down with a Diet Dr. Pepper and who could ask for a better lunch or quick snack?
This morning, I was thinking about one of the great themes of the bible, unity. My mind kept heading toward I Corinthians 10 & 11. A portion of those two chapters deal with what we call “The Lord’s Supper.” The words in 10 & 11 also give us other names that Christians from various backgrounds use for this supper. In 10:16 it is called “breaking bread.” “Communion” is the word also used in 10:16. In 10:21, the term is the “Lord’s Table.” A term we Baptist don’t often use is called the Eucharist. It has its roots in 11:24. In the verse the word “thanks” is used. The Greek word Eucharist simple means thanksgiving. The term I most often use the “Lord’s Supper” can be found in 11:20.
Why is the Lord’s Supper important? At our church we celebrate this four times each year. Usually about once a quarter. Some churches partake of the Lord’s Supper each week while others only once a year. The New Testament doesn’t tell how often so each congregation can decide for themselves. So, why is it important? Just looking at the two chapters I see at least seven things. 1. It is commanded in 11:24-26. If nothing else was mentioned that should be enough. Mary, the mother of Jesus, told the servants at the wedding in Cana “whatever he says do it.” We do it because we are commanded. 2. The church body is strengthened. Jesus was teaching the disciples how to pray and one of those teachings was “give us this day our daily bread.” We get strength from eating physical bread and we equally get strength from eating that spiritual bread. 3. Tells the world we are looking for Christ to return. This truth is found in 11:26. Unbelievers don’t understand much of what you take for granted. In those early years of Christianity rumors were fast and furious about the upstart cult identified as “people of the way.” The people in various places heard about these people eating flesh and blood. They immediately accused them of cannibalism. That was only one of the rumors about those early Christians. When confronted the believers would be able to explain the symbolism and that Christ promised to return. Each time we partake we tell the world he is coming. 4. In 10:17, a unification is seen. “One bread” is the phrase. That simply means “one loaf.” We Christians are connected with all the other Christians. Each member of our church is to be bonded every other member. In the way that plywood is constructed is how we are to be close to each other. A layer of wood then glue. More wood more glue. There isn’t a group of people that I’d rather be around than God’s people. That’s one of the reasons I love Sundays. I get to see God’s people; talk to them and the joy I receive is fantastic. 5. Another type of worship. The old adage “variety is the spice of life” can be applied even to church. Partaking of the Lord’s Supper gives a little different look from normal service. I have had people tell me that the way we do our Lord’s Supper has helped them grow as a Christian. It is a blessing to hear those type comments. 6. It is a time to examine ourselves. This truth is in 11:28. This verse also one that puts the fear of God in me. If we have sin in our hearts and lives and we flippantly take the bread and fruit of the vine we are disrespecting the sacrifice that made on our behalf. The people of this New Testament church at Corinth had been chastised by God. These believers, not all, but some had been lackadaisical when they participated without examining themselves and God made some sick and others had even died because of this great transgression. Examining ourselves is a big deal. 7. Lastly, 11:24-25, new Christians are being taught about the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. The truth about the cross ought to be hammered into all of our collective minds.
The next time we partake of the Lord’s Supper are you going to think about these things taught in I Corinthians 10 & 11? I hope these seven truths will become part of your bible knowledge that you just know without even thinking. If that begins to happen that “one loaf” will ringing in your ears. Unity with God’s people is important and that truth is driven deep each time you partake as a church family.