How do you remember people who are important to you? Chances are you have a picture in a frame or, if you’re like me, you keep them handy on your iPhone so you can look at them whenever you want. That’s what I do with pictures of my six grandchildren!
How do we remember Jesus? He said the Lord’s Supper (communion) is one very important way to do that. And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19
It’s important that we never forget Jesus or what He did for us. When Jesus met with His disciples that night for the Passover meal, He broke bread and shared the cup with them and said that the bread represented His body and the cup represented His blood He would give while going to the cross. That was a lot of love He had for us.
All of us should think about what this means and think about Jesus. But who should actually participate in the Lord’s Supper? Should children join in when we pass the bread and cup? How do we decide? And if they shouldn’t, how do we explain that to them?
Let’s go to the Bible to answer those questions. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 says this:
“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
Then who should eat the bread and drink the cup? Those who are willing and able to seriously consider what it means. That means those are displeased with themselves because of their sin and at the same time are thankful that Jesus has saved them. It means those who are willing to examine themselves honestly, admit their sin and to ask for forgiveness. Participating in “an unworthy manner” also applies to the believer who would have unconfessed and unrepentant sin in his life and who would take the Lord’s supper in a casual manner. It is a serious thing for a person to be so calloused in his heart that he would blatantly continue in sin knowing that Jesus had to suffer and die for those sins. So it’s important that we take this time very seriously. If believers honestly examine themselves confessing and forsaking all known sin and confess that Jesus is their Lord and that Christ’s death pays for their sins, they are “recognizing the body” in a way that allows them to participate in a worthy manner. In order for a person to truly remember Jesus, they must have met Him and be in right fellowship with Him.
Young children who are unable to grasp these concept are not ready to participate "in a worthy manner." They will no doubt say, “That’s not fair! Why don’t I get to eat and drink too?” We found that our children took the Lord’s Supper more seriously as a result of our requiring them to wait. It’s not snack time for everybody. It’s a very serious spiritual act of worship. This is a meaningful memorial of Who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Think about it. There are lots of things that children are not allowed to do. Young children don’t always want to sit in a child seat while riding in the car—but we still require it for their safety. We don’t allow them to drive until they reach the proper age and ability. We don’t let our children eat chocolate cake for breakfast (unless Dad is in charge!) We don’t let our children stay up as late as the grown-ups because they need more sleep (and we need our “quiet time!”) There are lots of things we say “No” to. The Lord’s Supper should be included as one of those—until they’re ready to self-evaluate their spiritual condition and have given their hearts to Jesus.
Holy week and Easter is coming up soon. Take time to discuss this with your children and help them to understand what the Lord’s Supper means. God will use the conversation to help them to take the whole subject of sin more seriously and what Jesus did on the cross. Think about it... The Holy Spirit could very well help your child to come to faith in Jesus as a result of your taking the time to consistently explain and discuss this important subject with them! Wouldn't that be awesome? You will be glad you did and it will help make your worship time together less stressful and more meaningful.
