Question: Why did you write this book?
Answer: Generally, in practicing the Lord’s Supper or Communion, Christians “zoom in” on the meaning of the elements (the bread and wine) as in some way representing the body and blood of Christ. And, of course, this is important, as Jesus’ words (“this is my body . . . This is my blood . . .”) make clear. We are instructed to “remember” Christ’s death on the cross as a sacrificial atonement for sins. But I believe this needs to be supplemented by what another author describes as a “wide angle” approach which looks at the larger historical and theological context of the Lord’s Supper. This broader, “big picture” perspective helps us gain deeper insights into the meaning and significance of this ordinance which we would otherwise miss.
Question: Could you explain this further?
Answer: Let me give a contemporary analogy. When the first Star Wars movie was released, it was simply entitled “Star Wars.” Later, the subtitle “A New Hope” was added to emphasize the overall theme of the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The Bible likewise describes the drama of redemption which begins in Genesis with the creation story and culminates through a series of events or episodes in the book of Revelation with the creation of the “new heaven and new earth,” when evil will finally be defeated and God’s glory will fill the entire earth. The central event in this great drama is, of course, Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Question: You describe the Lord’s Supper as a “condensed summary” of the story of redemption in the Bible. Please further explain what you mean by this.
Answer: Particularly important is the relationship of the Lord’s Supper (also called the Eucharist in the early church) to Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, which was essentially a Passover (or Passover-like) meal. Moreover, the Last Supper connects back to various meals Jesus shared with his disciples, social outcasts, and those at the margins, and even religious leaders during which he revealed truths about the kingdom of God. And it looks forward to the great messianic banquet as the fulfillment of Jewish expectations. So, the Lord’s Supper is connected to key points in the drama of redemption. In fact, there is a sense in which the Lord’s Supper is a “performance” of the gospel of salvation through Christ.
Question: Please further explain the reason for the subtitle, “New Creation, Hospitality, and Hope in Christ.”
Answer: When we break the bread and drink the wine (or juice) together we are doing at least three things. First, we are asserting the reality of the new covenant and new creation--a transformed people of God--in Christ. Secondly, we are affirming God’s grace, forgiveness, and sacrificial love which is also to be embodied in our lives as followers of Jesus. And, finally, we are anticipating the day of Jesus’ return, when God’s present and ongoing work of restoration, justice, and reconciliation will be fully realized in his kingdom.
Question: What is the intended audience?
Answer: This book is intended for pastors and other educators and church leaders as well as students and educated lay persons—basically, anyone who is concerned about the meaning of the Lord’s Supper and its relevance for Christian life, both individually and corporately. While my approach is largely theological and exegetical, I also make practical applications to daily life.
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