Here are some more meditations I've used to direct the thoughts of God's people at the Lord's Table:
Bread, Wine, and the Obedience of Christ
In the Bible leaven or yeast is often a symbol for sin. Thus unleavened bread alone was used in the ceremonies of the old testament, particularly Passover, from which the Lord's Supper comes. Wine is often referred to as "the blood of the grape." It's no surprise then that Jesus incorporates these things into a ritual to commemorate the redemption under the new covenant.
In that redemption was accomplished through Christ's obedience, the two elements - unleavened bread and the blood of the grape - picture for us the two aspects of Christ's obedience. Of the bread He says, "This is my body given for you" (Luke 22:19). A perfect life, lived without sin -- for us; on our behalf. Of the wine He says, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:20). Blood poured out, a life given -- for us, on our behalf.
Thus, not only do we remember His death till He comes, but also by implication we remember the perfect life He lived for us, apart from which His death would have been useless.
The Past and Future Direction of the Cup/Blood
That Jesus said of the cup, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28) reminds us that this part of the communion supper is to have us consider afresh the fact that Jesus' blood was poured out long ago to take away our sins.
But notice also that Matthew records Jesus saying in the next verse, "I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29). This cup has another reference - not only the life that was given, but a life that was received again and endures to the Father's kingdom. It points us to the living Lord who gives eternal life to all who receive Him, with whom we will drink wine in the Father's kingdom.
We believe in the One who was, and is, and is to come - take and drink.
A Memorial Day Theme
Thoughts of Memorial Day are still on my heart. On this day we commemorate the sacrifices of our service men and women, many of whom gave up their lives in the service of their country. Of the many ways by which our government recognizes such service, the highest award given is the Congressional Medal of Honor. There is nothing higher.
Of the many who have received the Medal of Honor, the vast majority have received it posthumously - that is, they gave their lives performing the deed for which they're honored. I find this a compelling picture for celebrating the Lord's Supper.
Jesus said, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). By this bread and cup we remember the love of Jesus as He laid down His life for His friends. Uncommon love; uncommon valor.
