The Lord’s Supper at Home
“After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:25, 26).
This statement concerning showing or proclaiming, the Lord’s death shows that the ordinance should not be observed in secret. Its public observance makes a deep impression on those who are witnessing. It should be obvious from this verse that all believers are to eat the bread and drink the wine at a pubic service. Neither element is partaken by the one officiating.
By eating and drinking the emblematic bread and wine, the believers get the chance to declare their faith to others. The ordinance is to be observed as long as time shall last. The need for its observance will cease only when all believers see Jesus face to face. Then, there will be no necessity for anything to remind them of Him, for all will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4). Also, The Lord’s Supper presents a special occasion for public declaration of new resolves.
While the participation should be public, the examination of oneself should be private. “Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (1 Corinthians 11:17,18). After the private examination, confession of sins to God and making things right with Him, then the participant can partake of the Lord’s Supper.
Also, part of the Lord’s Supper ordinance is the service of the washing of feet that Jesus gave (John 13:1-17). The function of the ordinance of foot washing is to prepare the believers to experience Christ’s humility. Through this blessed experience, believers get the chance to make things right with their brethren and confess their sins one to another (John 13:4–17). The service of washing the feet also needs fellowship with others and can’t be observed in secret. By following the example of our Lord in the services of the Lord’s Supper and washing of feet, we remember His infinite love and humility (John 3:16).
Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
