A SPECIAL OCCASION

What would you consider a “special occasion”? For many, weddings and birthdays come to mind. Indeed, a special occasion is a significant event or celebration, often one that involves important people and memories.

Interestingly, the significance of special occasions can vary from people to people, and we find that the surroundings they grew up in will often play a large part. For example, some would say that a birthday is just “any other normal day”, or (somewhat jokingly) “a day closer to death”. These people may have never really celebrated birthdays from young, treating it like any typical day. At best, they would just have a simple meal at home to remember the day they were born. On the flipside, for others, it is a necessity to have a birthday meal and cake. If that minimum criteria is not met, they might be left feeling upset or hurt by their loved ones. These people may have had their birthdays celebrated in a relatively grand fashion from young, never forgotten by family and friends. They could have even been exposed to many friends who hold birthday celebrations in such high regard. Today, via social media, they might still be looking at how influencers or celebrities spend their birthdays.

As you may be able to infer by now, it can be quite subjective as to how significant a special occasion is. To be clear, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with both camps of viewing birthdays. Importantly, let’s not impose such subjective views on each other. That being said, there is one special occasion that we should all view in an objective manner. This occasion is one of great significance – The death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In particular, I’d like to draw our attention to the Lord’s Supper that we partake of on the first day of every week. It consists of two elements – The unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, symbolising our Saviour’s body and blood respectively (i.e. His death). At the time of His death, Jesus’ flesh was broken open and His blood freely flowed on the cruel cross. This was the price to pay for human redemption (Mt 26:26-28, Acts 20:28, Eph 1:7). On the first day of the week, three days after His death, He arose from the grave (Mt 28:1, Mk 16:1, Lk 24:1, Jn 20:1). Thus, we have to be fully aware that a vital link between Jesus’ death and His resurrection exists when we partake of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week, Sunday (Acts 20:7, c.f. 1 Cor 16:2).

The Lord’s Supper is a special occasion that must be held in high regard by every Christian. The communion (1 Cor 10:16) must be observed with the right elements, on the correct day, and for the stated reason. Indeed, it is unlike any other occasion we might deem “special” in our lives. It is one that has an objective standard for us to observe and commemorate in remembrance of our Saviour’s sacrifice for us.

With that in mind, what does it mean when we examine ourselves while partaking of the Lord’s Supper? Does its weekly occurrence make it feel like any less of a special occasion? Consider the most precious occasion of yours, alongside the preparatory work and expectations you have looking towards it. The Lord’s Supper is a special occasion that should have an even higher order of preparatory work. Is our heart right with God? Have we come before Him with all humility, having repented of the sins in our life, being filled with gratitude for His death and resurrection? It is my exhortation that we internalise what it really means to set aside our worldly cares and distractions, worshipping our Lord in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24). Let us not diminish the observance of this special occasion, even as we look forward to the assurance and joy that the Christian life will bring us.

Ask Yourself

1. What are the two elements of the Lord’s Supper? What do they symbolise?

2. What is the significance of the Lord’s Supper (a special occasion) to Christians?

3. What is your mental disposition when partaking of the Lord’s Supper? What can you continue doing well? What can you improve on?

Suggested Answers

1. The unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, symbolising Jesus’ body and blood respectively

2. To commemorate Jesus’ death and resurrection

3. NA – Personal reflection ☺ (open for discussion with writer or other brethren)