Nourishment for Needy Christians

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 11:23–29

Devotion:
Paul calls the cup a “participation in the blood of Christ” and the bread a “participation in the body of Christ.” The word translated “participation” is koinonia. It can also be translated as fellowship, communion, or sharing.

This means the Lord’s Supper is more than a visual aid. When believers receive the bread and cup in faith, the Holy Spirit gives real spiritual communion with the crucified and risen Christ.

The bread remains bread, and the cup remains the cup. Christ is not physically contained within the elements, and his sacrifice is not repeated. Christ offered himself once for all. Yet those who come in faith truly receive Christ and the benefits of his death spiritually.

At the Table we remember that Christ’s body was given for us and his blood was shed for us. We remember that his death fully dealt with our sin, that his promises remain sure, and that he accomplished everything necessary for our salvation. The Supper brings these realities before our eyes and renews our reliance upon Christ.

But what if we do not feel anything?

The effectiveness of the Lord’s Supper does not depend upon an intense emotional experience. Faith receives Christ’s objective promise even when our feelings are weak. We do not experience something emotionally overwhelming every time we sit down for a physical meal, yet the meal still nourishes us. In the same way, the Lord’s Supper is meaningful, powerful, and also wonderfully ordinary.

Should a struggling Christian come to the Table? Yes. The Supper is not a reward for strong Christians; it is nourishment for needy Christians. Jesus gave the Table to believers who still struggle with weakness, temptation, doubt, and sin.

The issue is not whether sin is present. Sin remains present in every believer. The question is whether we are protecting our sin or bringing it to Christ. A believer who is fighting sin, confessing sin, and trusting Christ should come. The Table is not a trophy for the spiritually impressive. It is food for those who know they cannot sustain themselves.

At the Table, Christ does not offer us a new sacrifice. He strengthens us through the once-for-all sacrifice already accomplished. We receive the bread and cup and confess, “I live by the broken body and shed blood of Jesus.”

Reflection Question: Do you approach the Lord’s Table as a reward for your performance or as Christ’s gracious nourishment for your need?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I confess that I am weak and needy. Thank you that your sacrifice is complete and your promises remain sure. Keep me from trusting my feelings or performance. As I come to your Table, nourish my faith and teach me to rely entirely upon your broken body and shed blood. Amen.