By Todd E. Brady
Vice president for university ministries, Union University, Jackson
Recently, I had the privilege of baptizing Trent. His mom and dad were standing up by the baptistry filming, and his big sister was sitting in the congregation. Barely able to see over the baptistry ledge, Trent saw a church that rejoiced with him, loved him, prayed for him and that day, celebrated with him.
Trent’s journey to belief in Christ started with a cracker and some juice that he couldn’t have. Several weeks ago, Trent watched his parents and big sister celebrate the Lord’s Supper at church, but he couldn’t take the elements.
Each month, our church celebrates the memorial supper, proclaiming together “the Lord’s death until he comes” I Corinthians 11:26. This is a time when we remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. He gave His body for us. He shed His blood for us.
Celebrating the Lord’s Supper is a time when we look to both the past and the future. We look to the past and remember what Christ has done. He has died for us. We look to the cross. It’s also a time when we look to the future and remember what Christ will do.
“Until he comes … .” is an important part of I Corinthians 11:26. Jesus will one day return for us. We anticipate His coming. The Lord’s Supper Table sits between two great events — the cross of Christ and the coming of Christ.
Several weeks ago after our church celebrated the Lord’s Supper, Trent asked his parents why he couldn’t participate. They graciously shared with him that the Lord’s Supper is for believers only — for those who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Christ.
What began as an explanation by his parents turned into an evangelistic conversation. As a result of the congregation’s observance of the Lord’s Supper and Trent’s questions, his parents took the opportunity to share the gospel with their son.
A few days later, Trent and his dad talked with one of our pastors about salvation and baptism.
What a privilege to baptize my 8-year-old brother in Christ, Trent. It was an honor to stand with him in the baptistry before our church as he proclaimed his faith in Christ.
For me, the most special time of the service came at the end. This was our church’s day to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Not only was this the day when Trent was baptized; this was the day when he would take the Lord’s Supper for the first time.
After I began administering the elements and as individuals began walking up to get their bread and juice, I walked down the middle aisle to where Trent sits with his family. As the music was playing and as everyone was walking to the Table, I knelt down and shared with Trent and his family how happy I was that he believed in Jesus and that he would be celebrating the Lord’s Supper with me and the rest of the church.
After I said those words, Trent looked me in the eye and said, “I believe Jesus is the Son of God. He died and rose again for my sins.”
Those were the most powerful words I heard all day.
The Lord’s Supper is not something we tag on to the end of a church service just because we are supposed to do it. Rather it is a vital part of our worship, helping us remember and proclaim what Christ has done, helping us look forward to the return of Christ, and yes, helping us share the gospel with our children. B&R