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“Why Churches of Christ Take the Lord’s Supper Each Sunday (Part 1)”
Why Churches of Christ Take the Lord’s Supper Each Sunday (Part 1)
Allen Webster
Jesus instituted a memorial feast on the eve of His death (Matthew 26:17-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:7-20). To His followers, the bread represents His sacrificed body and the cup His saving blood (1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:20-24). Practically all churches take the Lord’s supper but differ as to how often to eat it.[1] Some partake weekly; others monthly; many, quarterly; and, sometimes only annually. Which is right? Does it make any difference? Some interpret Paul’s statement: “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26) to mean that Christians may partake whenever they wish. Would God put something of such importance as His Son’s memory into the realm of human opinion? (Colossians 3:17). Let us explore the related Scriptures. The Lord’s church takes the Lord’s supper each Lord’s day for three asons.
TO RECEIVE THE STRENGTH IT PROVIDES.
Those who misused the Lord’s supper became spiritually weak (1 Corinthians 11:29-30). Conversely, those who partake sincerely and appropriately are strengthened. God has provided the means to sustain and strengthen the faith of his children (2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:13). A primary means for strengthening Christians is the Lord’s supper. The lunch table strengthens the body; the Lord’s table refreshes the soul.
When Christ dwells in our hearts by faith it strengthens the inner man (Ephesians 3:16-17; cf. 2 Timothy 4:17). This faith is engaged and developed during the supper. By faith we believe that Jesus sits at the table with us (Luke 22:16-18; cf. 24:32). How could anyone have a meal with Christ without being better? By faith we see the events of Calvary. How can one fix his mind on the cross and not come away more resolved to live for the Redeemer? (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). By faith we remember the historical link between this Sunday and His resurrection—a connection that does not exist on any other day (Matthew 28:1). By faith Christians are strengthened by meditating on Scripture (Psalm 1:3) and prayer (Colossians 1:9-11), during the Lord’s supper. Who would be so bold as to say that he does not need to be reminded of the Lord’s sacrifice? (2 Peter 1:13; 3:1). Since most find it difficult to deal with Satan’s temptations despite the safeguards God has provided, the Lord’s supper each Sunday is vital to a strong church.
TO GIVE CHRIST THE GLORY HE DESERVES (1 CORINTHIANS 11:20-29).
Jesus might not be the focus of the sermon on a given Sunday. It might so happen that no song mentions Calvary. Prayer leaders might focus on praising the Father rather than the Son that day. But during the Lord’s supper the spotlight is always on Jesus and what He did at Calvary. Paul emphasizes “the Lord” in discussing the supper: It is the Lord’s supper (1 Corinthians 11:20),that focuses on the Lord’s death (11:26), in memory of the Lord’s blood (11:27). It is the Lord’s bread (11:27), and the Lord’s cup (11:27), that reminds us of the Lord’s body (11:29). If we skip the Lord’s supper, then we miss an opportunity to honor Him. Why glorify Him only four times a year when we can glorify Him fifty-two times?
