Reflection, Proclamation, and Command
Recently, I watched a video featuring a Messianic Jewish gentleman interviewing people on the streets of Jerusalem. As expected, many of those interviewed were Orthodox Jews. The interviewer asked them to read Isaiah 53, both in English and Hebrew, and then posed the question of whether anyone in history fit the description given by the prophet. Unsurprisingly, the interviewees were reluctant to name Jesus Christ as the answer. One individual remarked that he knew the answer the interviewers sought and that they would simply have to “agree to disagree.”
This exchange prompted me to reflect on our own worship practices. Specifically, it brought to mind the Lord’s Supper and its significance.
Why do we partake in the Lord’s Supper? The straightforward answer is that we are commanded to by Jesus (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20) and by Paul (1 Corinthians 11:23-29) in the New Testament. Additionally, first-century Christians practiced the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week (Acts 20:7; cp. 1 Corinthians 16:1-4). It’s clear that this act of worship is commanded and integral to our service, but why is it so central to our worship?
The Lord’s Supper serves as a memorial for those in Christ. It’s a time for us to reflect on and remember Christ’s sacrifice for sinners (Romans 5:8). Such a significant sacrifice, as underscored by Isaiah 53:1-12, deserves our respect and remembrance.
Furthermore, the Lord’s Supper plays a role in proclaiming the gospel. Despite the widespread availability of the gospel over the past 2,000 years, and the Bible being the most printed book in history, some still deny the reality of Christ’s sacrifice. As 1 Corinthians 11:26 states, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (NASB 1995). This act, similar to public confession, has the power to show the gospel to unbelievers.
Though the Lord’s Supper may occupy only a brief moment in our worship service, its significance and power are profound. Christians partaking of it fulfills a command from the Lord (John 14:21; 1 John 2:3; 2 John 6), deepens our relationship with Christ (James 4:8), and offers a vital opportunity for us to proclaim His death. As members of a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), we are called to declare “the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light” (NASB 1995). Let’s embrace this calling as we observe the Lord’s Supper each week.
Grayson Campbell