Themes For The Lord's Supper

In our weakness we tend toward ritualism, remaining unmoved at the greatness of what we are celebrating.  We forget rather than remember.

The Main Texts

The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of Christ’s cross and resurrection.  A great variety of Christian traditions are used in celebrating the Lord’s Supper.  There are four main Scripture texts used, three from the Gospel accounts (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22) and one from 1 Corinthians 11.  For example:

Matthew 26:26–29 ESV “Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.””

Each of us likely uses a standard form for the ritual, including its elements and procedures.  And we likely add our words of explanation and words of instruction.  Often we will emphasize certain aspects of Christ’s death and resurrection.  

These explanations can be very helpful and worthwhile for our congregations.  Further elaborations would encourage people even more, and lead them into better worship.

Expansive Themes

While articulating the basic message of the Lord’s Supper, we might want to expand upon an additional theme.  Draw out further applications of our redemption in Christ.

Here are some sample themes I have used over the years.  It is especially advantageous when the theme matches the preaching for the day.

Communion with Christ, fellowship with one another, remembrance of the Gospel, mercy, judgment, Christ our Savior, the return of Christ, remembering the cross, the blessed man, grace, good works, joyful worshippers, forgiveness of sin, missions, love of God in Christ, justifying faith, Day of the Lord, discipleship, union with Christ, the glory of it all, Passover, watchfulness, closeness to God, blood of the New Covenant, a unique people, Gentile inclusion in the history of redemption, person of Jesus, deliverance, Jesus is Lord, love of God, cross-centered spirituality, calling and commission, the Servant of God, living as Christ’s people, purposefulness, healing, called out ones, dependent faith, honoring Jesus Christ, Christ as King, resolve to serve God, wisdom of God’s plan, soul satisfaction, covenant love of Father and Son, gift of Holy Spirit, belonging to Christ, confession, life, goodness, provision for mission, sacred community, humanity of Christ, generosity, humility, wisdom for life, sufferings and glories of Christ, Christian society, defeat of the devil, sin taken away, believing Jesus, the perfect man, common salvation, boasting in Christ, triumphant in Christ, renewal, virtues of Christ, Christian virtues, privileged children of God, rebirth, Christ’s leading His faithful, bread of life, and Jesus Christ’s mission.

There are endless glories to highlight and relevancies to apply.  How much more could be expanded and expounded for the benefit of God’s people!?