Sermon Illustration: Can ANYONE Partake of the Lord’s Supper?

The last time we observed the Lord’s Supper at The Church at West Franklin we did so in the middle of the song service, rather than the end of the sermon. Usually (9 times out of 10), I will preach TO the Lord’s Supper. This time, however, I preached OUT OF the Lord’s Supper. I did so due to the point of the passage I was preaching that day (Acts 11:25-26). I wanted to emphasize that the Antioch Christians gathered and studied the Word, not for more information, but for transformation. So, I opened the message (having come out of the Lord’s Supper) by emphasizing the point of why we do and who can partake of the elements.

Here is how I set up the text and sermon having come out of the Lord’s Supper:

I get asked quite often why I don’t think it is okay for “just anyone” to partake of the Lord’s Supper. It’s a good question. It is true that I hope more and more and more and more people come to the table and take in the elements. But it is also true that I don’t believe the elements are to be consumed by just anyone. 

The same reason I don’t believe the Lord’s Supper is available for everyone is the same reason I don’t invite you to my wedding anniversary dinner. When I celebrate my wedding anniversary, no offense, I don’t want you there. Why? Because the purpose of celebrating a wedding anniversary is to remember key moments and times from your marriage; to celebrate one another as a couple; and to renew the commitment (verbally or non-verbally) to the other. I don’t want anyone else there because no one else but my wife and I can do that with any meaning.

You can’t remember what you have never experienced.

You can’t recall something you have never endured. 

When Jesus first instituted the Lord’s Supper, He said to “Do this in REMEMBRANCE” of Him. It is an act of remembrance. It is for those who have experienced His grace and love and forgiveness. It is for those who are committed to following Him. It is to remind those who are His what it is all about. It is a time to celebrate our relationship with the Father. It is a time to look around the room, recognize we are all needy sinners needing rescuing. A time to remember we will be sitting around a table together in glory feasting together. A time when we remember that we are called to a mission together to make this grace and love known to the world. 

The Lord’s Supper is for those who “get it.” But you know you “got it” when you are compelled to go from the table and make this love known to the world. 

Similarly, the early church got together to worship and study and learn the Word. But they didn’t stop at just “getting it.” There is a way of knowing you “got it.” It happens when your knowledge of the Word moves beyond information to transformation. 

What are some ways YOU set up the Lord’s Supper? 

How do you emphasize the importance of the elements? 

Share some ideas here as to how you help your people transition to and/or from the sermon to the table.