In the last verse of the ninth chapter in 2nd Corinthians, the apostle Paul emphatically declares, “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!” (AV). The word translated “unspeakable” by the AV is a “one of a kind word” in the Greek Testament and thus, is a very hard word to translate into English. Other versions translate it variously: “indescribable,” “inestimable,” “incomparable,” “inexpressible,” and “beyond words.” My personal favorite comes from the New Century Bible, which translates it “too wonderful for words.”
This passionate declaration comes at the end of a two chapter discussion of the role generosity ought to play in the life of every believer. Paul reminds the Corinthians that we should be generous because it is a means of expressing gratitude, a way to share in God’s blessing and, in this verse, because God has been so very generous with us. He did not withhold anything from us, not even his one and only Son! Truly, Jesus is the greatest gift any of us could ever receive.
I am reminded of this truth every time we gather at the Lord’s table. What we do in the Lord’s Supper is not about the elements or a ritual; it’s all about Him! So why do we do what we do as we share in communion?
The Lord’s Supper was Jesus’ idea (Matthew 26.26)… The passage clearly indicates that He took the initiative in creating this memorial experience. Built off the symbolism and foreshadowing found in the Passover experience (Exodus 12), Jesus inaugurated this observance on the night before His death on the cross. Thus, He is the one who invites us, His followers, to the table.
…given to His followers (Matthew 26.26)… Jesus called His followers into relationship with Him. Their commitment was shown in the decision they made to follow Him and become His disciple. This relationship enables His followers to enter into intimate “communion” with Him, to partner with Him in life and mission. Thus, the Lord’s Supper is only for those who have committed their life to Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
…as a symbol of the new covenant between God and humanity (Matthew 26.28)… Jesus mentioned in the institution of this ordinance (act of obedience) that what He was doing on the cross constituted a “new covenant” (Latin word is “testament“) through His blood. This new covenant would be written on human hearts, not on stone, and was costly since there was a price to pay for committed relationship to take place (blood was shed when a covenant was “cut”) . The Lord’s Supper is a tangible “picture” of the price paid for this covenant to be realized in our lives.
…memorializing what Christ did on the cross for you and me (Ephesians 2.13; 1 Corinthians 11.25)… What did He do for us? He was arrested, humiliated, His body beaten, abused, broken and pierced on our behalf. His blood was poured out for sin (“for without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness on sins“). Paul reminds us that this is a “memorial event,” one we do in remembrance of Him, as we reflect on what He did so that we could live.
…and is an act of thanksgiving on our part (Matthew 26.26)… Just as Jesus was able to give thanks on that night long ago, in spite of what He knew was coming in the next day, so we are to be filled with thanksgiving as we come to the Lord’s table. Our gratitude and humility should be genuine and heartfelt as we realize how “lost” we would be without Christ.
…though it does NOT save us; HE does! (Romans 6.23; 1 Peter 3.18). Nowhere in the Scripture are we told that these elements are “salific” (that they save us); on the contrary, we are told over and over and over again that Jesus saves us. As a result, we celebrate that reality through the experience of the Supper as a testimony to His life given for us and we do it “often…til He comes [again].”
Ultimately, the message of the Lord’s Supper calls us to a response. For those not yet in relationship with Him, the message proclaimed is to “Receive the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Romans 10.13). Then you too will experience the wonder of relationship with God’s greatest gift, this gift “too wonderful for words.”
