The Love Meal

The Love Meal

One of the last things Jesus did before he left this earth was to share a meal with his friends. It was a significant event because he knew he was about to be taken prisoner and crucified for our sins. He used this meal to mark the event for the rest of time.  

The writer of 1 Corinthians gives us insight. “Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord’s Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me.’ After supper, he did the same thing with the cup: ‘This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me.’ What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25, MSG). 

How Can I Participate in The Love Meal?

We observe The Love Meal by eating a “meal” symbolizing Jesus’s body that was nailed to a cross and drinking something symbolizing how Jesus bled and died for us. Bread and juice or wine are often used because those are the elements referred to in the Bible, but what you eat or drink is not as important as the significance of remembering. The reason we call it The Love Meal is because we’re not only reminded of our union to Jesus, but as followers, we’re all united together by his love like a family. 

Often people observe The Love Meal when they’re sick as a reminder of Jesus’s ability to heal. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24, ESV).

Anyone who follows Jesus can participate in The Love Meal. You can participate in a church service, in a small group of friends, or even on your own!