Mar 30

1 Corinthians 11:24
Memorise Romans 3:24
“Being justified freely by his grace…”

The institution of the Lord’s Supper is recorded for us in all 3 of the synoptic gospels, as well as expounded by Paul in I Corinthians. Each of these biblical accounts consistently provides clear instruction on how we are to receive the Lord’s Supper. First of all, we are to follow our Lord’s example in how he “given thanks”. Of course, we know that we are to say grace before every meal. But beyond that, this prayer of thanksgiving is so important when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, because through it we express our immense gratitude and thankfulness to God. Never for one moment forget that, but for the grace and mercy of God, you would be a sinner, lost and condemned, never able by your own strength or merits to receive eternal life. And yet, God in His great love and compassion towards us unworthy sinners, saw it fit to give us His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be slain as a sacrifice to take away the sin of the world. Can we receive this gift with anything but the greatest thanksgiving?

This is followed next by an instruction from Christ – “Take, eat”. The bread was offered freely to the disciples, and all they had to do to receive it was literally to take it from Christ’s hands, and then to eat it. Likewise, we receive the Lord’s Supper simply by taking of the bread and the cup, and then eating it. Yes, it certainly seems so obvious and straightforward! But realise that the spiritual truth behind this is equally simple and straightforward. Christ’s body was broken for all who would simply come and claim its benefits. It does not require any effort on our part, for all that is necessary to satisfy the justice of God has already been accomplished by Christ at Calvary.

Dear teen, do you realise how much Christ has done to earn your salvation? How then can you show your gratitude to Him? As you prepare to receive the Lord’s Supper in the future, may this attitude of thanksgiving influence your life in every way, not just on Sundays when you take the Lord’s Supper, but each and every day of your life.

Thought: Remembrance is the hallmark of gratitude.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your great sacrifice!