Online Articles
The Simplicity of the Lord's Supper
More and more, there are indications that some brethren are losing sight of the simplicity of the Lord's Supper. Some are adding activities, seeking to enhance or embellish it. Some are attempting to make a meal out of it — which I find quite amazing in light of Paul's strong teaching against this in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. A good friend recently told of seeing a video of a congregation partaking the Lord's Supper while an electronically produced large cross was "floating" around the auditorium. One brother has stated that some "are inclined to make a pageant out of observing it rather than appreciate its simplicity."
We are now hearing of some churches lengthening the time taken for the Lord's Supper. Some are setting it apart as a separate service, while having the other acts of worship during another later service, etc. I don't know or understand all the reasons for these practices. I do know that based upon what we read in scripture concerning the Supper, there is no indication of how much time it took. It is quite evident that it must have been simple, based upon what has been revealed to us in God's Word.
As we follow the New Testament example regarding the Lord's Supper, we find that it was observed each first day of the week in the assembly (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34). It is a memorial of the Lord's death — not of His life or of His resurrection (1 Cor. 11:26). The Supper was instituted by Jesus Himself (Matt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Lk. 22:14-20; 1 Cor. 11:17-34), and is to be done "in remembrance" of Him (1 Cor. 11:24-25). When we follow His example, again, we emphasize that it is very simple; but yet, with such great depth and profoundness to its meaning! It being a memorial of His death-the unleavened bread represents His body that was sacrificed in His death and the fruit of the vine represents His blood that was shed in His death for the remission of our sins. When Jesus instituted the Supper, before telling His disciples to eat the bread and drink the cup, He gave thanks for the bread and He gave thanks for the cup. The verb "blessed" (eulogeo) as used in Matthew 26:26 & Mark 14:22 means "the giving of thanks" (the Bible I use, NKJV, has a footnote at the bottom of the page — M-Text reads gave thanks for). The word "thanks" (eucharisteo) as used in Luke 22:19-20 & 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 means He "gave thanks." Thus, the two Greek words are used interchangeably meaning the same thing — He gave thanks. For a parallel example, when Jesus fed the 5,000 He "blessed" the loaves, then when He fed the 4,000 He "gave thanks" for the loaves and fish (Matt. 14:19; 15:36). He did the same thing on both occasions — He gave thanks — just as we are commanded to give thanks before eating our food (1 Tim. 4:4-5). Thus, all who lead the prayers at the Lord's table, likewise, must remember to give thanks for the two items — the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine.
In 1 Corinthians 10:16, Paul tells us that observing the Supper is a "communion" of the blood and body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-34, Paul gives further instructions concerning the Lord's Supper. We are warned not to partake in an "unworthy manner, not discerning the Lord's body;" we are to "examine" ourselves; we are to "wait" for or cordially receive one another; and we must not turn the Supper into a meal — we "have houses to eat and drink in." The consequences of not partaking properly are severe — guilty of the body and blood of the Lord; weak and sick among you, and many sleep; judged and chastened by the Lord; and "you come together for judgment."
May we ever be mindful of the importance, significance, and the simplicity of the Lord's Supper.
