“And he said to them, “I
have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15).
We
belong to the Christian group that values the renewal of mind (knowledge) over
experience (feelings). While there is a place in the Christian life for
experience, nevertheless the Scriptures call again and again for the renewal of
mind (ongoing process – Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:2.
With
the advent of the New Year I would like to set before us a direction which I
would like to remain the basis for our future celebrations of the Lord’s
Supper.
We
are familiar with the idea that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinary meal: bread
and wine. Its significance though is a different matter.
Today,
the Scripture I read gives us an insight into Jesus’ heart. And more…
What
makes the Lord’s Supper a supper to remember?
The
“Lord’s Supper” was eaten at His initiative: “With desire I have desired to eat this Passover meal…” (KJV)
An
intense desire/longing on behalf of our Lord…to eat this Passover meal…
There
were other times when, most likely, Jesus and His followers reclined at the
table to eat the Passover. All the previous Passover meals were eaten as
required by the Mosaic Law. This was different…it was the result of a deep
desire of Jesus.
Jesus
expressed His desire to eat this Passover with “them” – a selection of VIP
guests, picked by Himself – actually His friends (John 15:12). He chose them…they
have followed Him…they have been with Him – Acts 1:21, 22.
The
meal of the new covenant is not a meal for all…but it is a meal for those who
have “memories” of Jesus…that is for His followers/believers: “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks
the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the
body and blood of the Lord” (1Corinthians 11:27).
It was a supper to remember…Him.