Scripture Reading: Luke 22:1-71, John 6:48-51
More often than I like to admit, I eat on the run. Just yesterday, rushing to catch a plane back home, I ambled through a hotel lobby eating a biscuit and sipping on a cup of coffee. That was “breakfast”: eaten alone, not even taking the time to sit down. It’s a symptom of the busyness of modern life that we see meals in a utilitarian way—as a necessity to keep us going rather than an opportunity to linger over lovingly prepared food and to connect with others.
How different this is from the way Jesus treated meals! Throughout His earthly ministry, He lingered over meals. He exercised compassion in His choice of who He ate with. In His presence at meals, He enacted the arrival of God’s reign and displayed a foretaste of the great messianic banquet for all to see.
This attitude toward meals persisted right up until the night before His death. Knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus chose to spend His time arranging for and eating one last meal with His disciples.
It was Passover, a holy day on which Jews remembered how God had delivered their ancestors from slavery in Egypt. On this night, though, Jesus made changes to the standard liturgy of the ceremonial meal. He took bread and told His disciples it was His body. He took the cup and told His disciples it was the new covenant in His blood. And He told them, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
Since that night, followers of Jesus have followed His command to “do this” by taking what has come to be known as the Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist (from the Greek word for “thanksgiving”). Today the Lord’s Supper takes a variety of forms: Some use a common loaf of bread and some use crackers or wafers. Some drink wine out of a common cup, and some drink grape juice out of individual cups.
Regardless of our specific practices, I think it’s essential to remember that the Lord’s Supper is, at root, a meal. It is a time when we commune together with our Lord, who took the time to share food with His disciples at a moment when He could have been trying to “optimize” His final hours. It is a time when we eat with one another—not rushing, not thinking only of ourselves and our agendas, but slowing down and being present with the church, the body of Christ.
Gordon Smith writes in his book A Holy Meal, “Nothing so effectively mitigates against the propensity toward individual autonomy within our culture and within Western Christianity as the Lord’s Supper.” Making time to share in this meal is a deeply countercultural act. It is a way of proclaiming to the world and to our fellow Christians that Jesus makes time to attend to us, and so we make time to attend to Him and to those He loves.
Written by Elliot Ritzema
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77 thoughts on "The First Lord’s Supper"
I can’t wait to share a meal with Jesus in heaven!
“being in agony He prayed more earnestly”.. may I remember my Lord’s example when it is hard.
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I often think what it must have been like to sit at the table in the presence of Jesus. Something so casual as having a meal yet what an honor it is to rest in His presence! Thankful for your prayers and encouragement ladies! What a blessing it is to have each of you as my sisters in Christ!
Ditto, Susan! ❤❤❤
Such a beautiful teaching! This had made me think more on how I approach our meals at home as well as communion with my church.
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Amen!
The foreshadowing of the manna stood out to me today. The daily provision promised to the Israelites in the wilderness and later to all who choose to believe and follow Him. Do I receive this ‘manna’ with gladness or do I, like the Israelites grumble and demand something different? Some heavy and convicting questions this morning. There is too much here to just gloss over. I am sharing part of an article from gotquestionsdotorg.
Brackets around article:
[Far more important than manna’s physical qualities is what manna foreshadowed. Manna is a type, or foreshadowing, of Jesus. After Jesus miraculously fed the 5,000, they wanted Him to “give us this bread always” (John 6:34). Jesus tried to get their attention off of physical bread and onto the true “bread of life.” “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. . . .
I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:32-35). Sadly, the people could not get their minds off of physical bread long enough to understand the spiritual truth Jesus was declaring (John 6:36-59). They were more concerned with the condition of their stomachs than the condition of their souls.
Just as God provided manna to the Israelites to save them from starvation, He has provided Jesus Christ for the salvation of our souls. The literal manna temporarily saved the Israelites from physical death. The spiritual manna saves us from eternal death. “Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die” (John 6:49-50).]
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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SONG SHARE:
Heaven Came Down
(and glory filled my soul)
That is so Good, thanks for sharing! So much to ponder. Today’s lesson is sensory overload!! And I’m focusing on jail too!
I love that OLD song!! Used to be a favorite!!
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This is an incredible connection. Thank you so much!
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What a lesson! ❤️❤️❤️
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Our previous rector before administering the sacrament, would raise the cup & plate before the congregation & intone a phrase I loved…
”Behold what you are.” (meaning hungry, hurting, helpless)
“Become what you receive.”(meaning fed, filled, forgiven).
The broken body. The bread of life.
The shed blood. The cup of salvation.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thank you ❤️
I have a tendency to rush through a meal and not savor it! I have so many food allergies that I few a meal has fuel to keep me going. I need to slow down and linger! I think I will practice lingering not only at a meal but doing so more with the Lord!
Have a blessed day in the Lord!
Great plan, Cheryl; thanks for sharing! ❤
With Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners coming up, this is such a timely focus. It always (to me) is a bit of a letdown after the days and last minute hours of prep, the meal is wiped out in such quick fashion! Why?! What could be more important than bonding with family over a
special meal? The older I get, the more I feel this void.
Praying over all these requests!
Amen!
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Talk about 71 verses full of plots and twists! It is a lot to absorb in a quick read, but still so, being read many, many times over my life. It has been even more brought to a reality of real people, real events, real feelings by the last few years watching The Passion of the Christ, in parts weekly for 6 weeks, as we break down these scriptures. And even that seems to be a lot each week to ingest, but it has really marked the celebration of the Resurrection so differently, more amazing and Holy.
And yet…do we let these words really TRANSFORM and Redirect our lives? For they should. His body, given for us. His suffering for me. To me. The greatest gift. And in this leadup…this preparation for the passover, and then the meal- they could have never fully grasped what was coming! We even have an argument of who shall be the greatest! Now that sounds more familiar to our ears! Pride and wanted to be the favorite! Our culture would be busy taken selfies to show they got to be the special ones invited to eat with him. Maybe some scrolling rather than even really listening to him!
I reckon I would be like Peter…Lord, I would NEVER to that?! I would follow you anywhere…to the end!! And while I’m confessing, I would be the one sleeping for sure in the garden! Praying fervently in the night, not likely. Probably even complaining for my bed.
One minute Peter is saying I will never deny you Lord. The second he is actually fighting with his sword for Jesus. Then the situation turns…the crowds turn. The ones singing Hosana a few days before are now non-believing and cursing him. It makes me think of how easy it is to stand for something when you are with the majority, but when you are in the middle of the hostility and standing alone, and your life may be threatened it could be really different. We can’t shame Peter because we would most likely do the same thing. The other disciples were already gone. (except for John and the women). I can only imagine the fear, and chaos of all happening! Again, the Passion shows it pretty well. Then the rooster Crows, and he has the realization of Jesus words. And he sees Jesus look at him!!! Oh, how, like Kelly says, that moment must have been heartbreaking for him. I know that feeling. That I have lived so wrong, and it hits like a ton of bricks. BUT GOD—that is that perfect moment!! That is when we KNOW the Jesus is LORD! When our heart breaks for our foolish life we lived apart him, we see it for what it is!! Wow. I am so thankful I fell into the pit..and saw it for that. AND that only 1 rescue remained. ONLY ONE WAY. He alone is Salvation. Eternal LIFE. Thank you Jesus!!
A few years ago our Sunday School teacher used the scene from The Chosen that depicted Jesus looking at Peter in that moment. I haven’t watched the series, but that scene made such an imoact on our teacher, he had to share it!
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Good ponderings as always, Rhonda! ❤
WHHHHAAAT! You haven’t watched..you must! It is so good. That scene was just this past year, this month it resumes with season 6 which is Jesu on the cross.
Maybe it was from a movie?! I can stilk see that ‘look’ in my mund’s eye. Powerful!
and Peter is one of the top 3 disciples whom He confides in. He forgives. And later, this moment really touches me, He didn’t cut Peter off (cancel culture), He was still faithful to His followers, He told Peter 3 times, “if you love Me, feed my sheep”. How He loves us.
I echo Kelly’s thoughts on “One of the most heartbreaking moments in the Bible, “Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter.””
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I can only imagine how devastated Peter must have felt, knowing that he had denied His Lord.
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I have a quote written next to this passage, I don’t remember from where but it is so fitting – “The grace of Jesus is more powerful than your worst moments.”
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Praise God for His amazing, all encompassing grace, grace that is greater than all my sin!
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Happy Wednesday She’s! ❤️
Thanks for sharing that quote, Sharon! I love finding little nuggets like that in my Bible!
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“The grace of Jesus is more powerful than your worst moments.”
Thank you for sharing that.
Next to this verse in my Bible I have “the look was not of shame but love”. Jesus knew this had to happen before Peter would become the
It is such a beautiful time of connection, communion sbd fellowship as we read this passage. Even in the knowledge and anticipation of what is to come, Jesus is fully present and teaching the disciples.
We have communion once a month at our church and I always appreciate the time set aside to be reminded of these verses, the quiet moments of reflection to examine our hearts. And although we can never fully grasp the sacrifice Jesus made, the time to consider the weight of all He has done for us is so important, neccessary and needed.
Heavenly Father, help us never to forgot all you have done for us and that you are the Bread of Life, the living Water, and because of you we lack nothing and have a hope and freedom far beyond what we deserve. Help us to never rush past or take for granted the suffering and sacrifice you endured to give is the life we have. We love you Jesus, are so thankful for all you’ve done and for your mercy and praise your name. Amen
SRT sisters, I appreciate your prayers so much. All things considered my MIL is doing ok and her decline has been very slow, pain is well managed and her spirits are generally good. The Lord has been faithfully present and He and He alone knows her days. My husband is completely overwhelmed, stretched beyond capacity, really struggling in so many ways and I continue to be very concerned for him.
The last week or so although still very tired, I had been feeling a bit better until last night and not feeling well again today. Your prayers are a great encouragement. Thank you ❤️
Wendy, I am glad to hear this report on your mil, but so sorry ti hear you aren’t feeling well today and that your husband is so overwhelmed! Lifting your family often in prayer! ❤
Wendy, I am praying for you and your family daily.
Praying!!
Good morning sweet, sweet sisters! All of your birthday greetings, comments, and prayers mean so much to me. Yesterday was a very different birthday for me, very quiet. Today will be my celebration. My sister is coming this morning and tonight we are going to dinner with my son and daughter-in-love. I’m looking forward to it.
I just read a quote which sums up my feelings yesterday. “This November, you can be grateful for what is good and honest with God about what still hurts.”
I am so very grateful God has given me friends around the world who love and pray for me faithfully, in the good and not so good times!
I’m here daily, though I don’t often comment.
Love and appreciate and pray for each of you❤
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Have a wonderful day with your loved ones❤️ that is a great quote to take through Nov!
Praying over your time of celebration today! Praying for God to ease the hurt in your heart with His gentle loving hand!
LINDA, I pray, too, that this day of celebration with family will be a major bright spot as you begin this next year of life!
May there be time to linger over this special meal today!
Love and hugs! ❤
Oh, and I love that quote, too!
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I hope you enjoyed your birthday yesterday!! What a blessing it is to be surrounded by family as you celebrate.
Thank you for sharing Linda. ❤️
Amen
Amen!
One of the most heartbreaking moments in the Bible, “Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter.”
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When their eyes met, the sound of the rooster was still ringing in Peter’s ears. I would imagine from that time forward that sound was haunting (even after he knew he was forgiven and restored), reminding him (and us) just how quickly our best intentions to be faithful can be overcome when we are in crisis.
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Lord have mercy on our weaknesses. Strengthen us as the days grow darker and Your return approaches. May we be found faithful.
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Praying for your requests
Amen!
Yes, your right. I concur..Lord, strengthen us and let us be found faithful.
We just don’t know until we are tested. But the more we are rooted and grounded in the word, we created the sturdy foundation. Like a tree in the Storm, roots holding strong I hope and pray. For as we see things grow dark, we will see his light to give us protection.
So thankful that we see Jesus give Peter love and forgiveness, and so to us, when we will make mistakes. Even ones that seem unforgivable, and shame us. He restores us! And even uses that to give his forgiveness even more amazement!!
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Amen!
Amen, Kelly!
Anything new on the job hunt (interviews, etc.)? ❤
Could you even imagine how Peter must have felt when Jesus looked at him? That passage always makes me so sad. I totally don’t want to be like Peter in that moment, but I am afraid I AM him… often!
I was thinking about your comment on the sound of a rooster not being the same for Peter after that. A daily reminder of his betrayal and restoration. How would our days be different if every one started with a reminder like that? Then I got to Tina’s post and thought – that’s what communion is meant to do; be a frequent reminder of the gift of forgiveness and restoration through the body and blood of Jesus.
Amen Kari!
We can stay in the shame or release it. It is good to remember that any sin hurts us and others, but thank God he will not judge us for it once surrendered! What a good, good Father!
Amen, so painful.
So true, Kelly. Just trying to imagine how Peter may have felt makes my heart hurt.
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Luke 22:15 Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; …“
These words hit me this morning as His willingness to die for my sin comes through loud and clear. Thank you, Jesus, thank you.
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The Bread of Life and the Living Water, Jesus is all we need.
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Words from a bluegrass gospel song,
“I’m eating from a table that ever stays full
I’m drinking from a fountain that never runs dry”
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KIMBERLY Z ❤️
MERCY ❤️ what a blessing you are, sister!
CEE GEE ❤️
B ❤️
MIA FAITH ❤️
MARTHA HIX ❤️
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️ praying for your recovery
ADRIENNE ❤️ praying for your health
SUSAN BURLEY ❤️ praying for your health and testing results
WENDY B ❤️ praying
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Yes, Jesus IS all we need. ❤️
Thank you, Searching❤️
Well said, Searching!
I, too, often long to linger at the table in fellowship. Lots to consider in these verses today.
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Thanks, sweet sister. ❤️
Thank you Searching!
Thank you Searching❤️
As one who feeds people for a living, my thoughts on food are different to the masses, I think..
I love to bring joy through my art, my craft, my hands., there is nothing more pleasurable than watching those the food has been prepared for enjoying!
The silence, no talking, just the Hmmms, and the stopping to work out flavours or just to pause in delight is a great sight.
This gift from God, me the ability to prepare, and those enjoying, is but a fleeting moment in the scheme of life..
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BUT GOD..
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When Jesus, sat with His disciples on the night before His death, lifting up and offering bread as His body, and rhe wine as His blood, with the words do this in rememberance of me, I wonder if He knew this would still be so 2,000 years later? Of course He did, right?
Communion is one of my favourite parts of the church service.. there is a holiness, an re-accepting Christ each time it is taken, a feeling of ‘Christ in me’, all over again.
It may well be a meal, but a meal that realigns the thinking, the actions, the heart of those who follow Him, it is an anchor that feeds the soul in rememberance of the gifts afforded us by the One who came to give us life to the full.
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Thankful for the ‘first Lords supper’ as my reminder, done in rememberance of Him, My Jesus, my Saviour, my Lord,.
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AMEN.
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Happy and blessed Wednesday to you, covered in prayers and wrapped in ‘letter from home’ hugs.,❤️❤️❤️❤️
Amen and Amen, Tina! We remember that the Lord shed His blood and offered up His body as a sacrifice for our sin!! It is always a deeply moving and holy moment.
(As one who struggles to boil water, I deeply appreciate your culinary craft and skill!!:)
Beautiful ❤️
“a meal that realigns the thinking, the actions, the heart of those who follow Him, it is an anchor that feeds the soul in rememberance of the gifts afforded us by the One who came to give us life to the full.”
Well said! Thank you.
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Thank you, Tina. These are beautiful words.
Tina, beautiful thoughts and words. Thank you❤️
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A meal that realigns❤️ Amen!
Re: comnunion-
“there is a holiness, an re-accepting Christ each time it is taken, a feeling of ‘Christ in me’, all over again.”
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Beautifully expressed, Tina!
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Like yoy, I take great pleasure in seeung the expressions on the faces of thise choosing from a long line of food and hearing the thanks and joy in the air. I only help set out and serve what others bring and help with set up and clean up- not preparing the whole meal like you- but the blessing is there. Great illustration, sister! ❤
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