Remember Love
Jesus told His disciples that a man can’t have greater love than when he lays down his life for his friends (John 15:13 bibrefjohn15 bibrefjohn15v13). When a man does not lay down his life, when he pushes someone else out in front of himself, we call that being a coward. We can also say that this shows that his love is not great.
Jesus also said that the world will know that we are His disciples by our love (John 13:35 bibrefjohn13 bibrefjohn13v35). Such love drives courage, this love drives sacrifice.
Our time at the Lord’s Table works to stimulate our love in a few ways.
The bread and the wine remind us of Christ’s love, embodied, and God has called us to be conformed in likeness to Christ. Remember, love gives.
His example is more than steps to follow, it stimulates our appreciation and love for the glory of His love. The humble sacrifice is part of who He is, and so is the name above every other name (Philippians 2:8-9 bibrefphilippians2 bibrefphilippians2v8 bibrefphilippians2v9). Remember, God is love (1 John 4:16 bibref1john4 bibref1john4v16).
And we see our fellow members in Christ’s body. We see their faces, we hear their voices. We rejoice in the grace God has given them, the cost Christ paid to provide them eternal life. As our love for Christ grows, it can’t help grow for our brothers and sisters. Remember, love one another (John 13:34 bibrefjohn13 bibrefjohn13v34; 1 John 4:7 bibref1john4 bibref1john4v7).
So this is a Supper of love, of heart, of courage. The bread strengthens and the wine gladdens our hearts. Our hearts are made more full, and that enables us to die and live and love.