Early Christians celebrated their salvation every day, and in a special way on “the first day of the week” in the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 2:42-47). Jesus initiated this sacred meal just before His trial and crucifixion.
When He had given thanks, He broke [the bread], and said, “This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).
What a privilege—to share in Christ’s saving body and blood! This faith is personal but also shared, or “common” (Titus 1:4). This salvation is personal but also shared, or “common” (Jude 1:3). Likewise, the Lord’s Supper is personal between us and our Savior, but it is also a shared experience. Since it is eaten in community, it publicly proclaims: We are “one body” in Christ! We gather together to honor His death! We look forward to His return!
The Lord’s Supper is personal, yet public.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).