The Lord’s Supper: Count to Seven — Twice

Last month, I shared observations about the Lord’s Supper during COVID. The Lord’s Supper: Save it from COVID-19 In some congregations, short times after offering thanks for the bread and fruit of the vine disrupted my meditation pattern. When someone gives thanks for the bread, in a few seconds gives thanks for the fruit of the vine, and in a few more seconds prays for our contribution, I don’t have the time to “DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.” I have to rush to open the container before bowing my head for the next prayer.

During the summer of 1977, a man told me about a sermon James Watkins preached the previous Sunday. I wrote the points and started using them for my meditation during the Lord’s Supper for the next six months. It helped me.

I preached the sermon and handed out cards to summarize the points. I have continued to use this as my meditation guide. Many have told me this was helpful to them as well.

Thoughts While Eating the Bread

ONE LORD. Ephesians 4:5

1. Died for all. Hebrews 2:9
2. Sympathizes with all. Hebrews 4:15, 16
3. Demands all. Luke 6:46; Luke 14:33
4. Will conquer all. Revelation 17:14

TWO THIEVES. Luke 23:39-43

1. One forsaken.
2. One forgiven.

THREE CROSSES.

1. Crucifixion is horrible. Luke 23:33
2. Physically.
3. Emotionally — shame. Galatians 3:13
4. One cross will save. 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:2
5. The person who bases his religion on the thief on the cross is looking at the wrong cross.

FOUR SOLDIERS.

1. Indifferent soldiers gambled for Jesus’ clothes. John 19: 23, 24
2. Fulfillment of prophecy. Psalm 22:18
3. These soldiers were within a few feet of one of the most significant events in the history of the universe. Instead of watching in awe and appreciation, they tried to win a piece of Jesus’ clothes. I am participating in a memorial to remind me of that event. I don’t want to be like the soldiers and let my mind wander to things less important than what I should be doing.

FIVE WOUNDS. John 20:27, 28

1. Suffering. Isaiah 53:5
2. His blood is connected with:

• The New Testament. Matthew 26:28
• Baptism. Romans 6:3, 4
• The church. Acts 20:28
• Worship. 1 Corinthians 11:25
• Daily life of the Christian. 1 John 1:7
• I look at my hands. Even though I may have had some difficult challenges during the past week, if I don’t see any nail prints in my hands, I conclude I have had a good week with the help of the Lord.

SIX HOURS. Mark 15:25, 34

Thoughts While Drinking the Fruit of the Vine: SEVEN SAYINGS

1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
2. “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43
3. “Woman, behold your Son! Behold your mother!” John 19:26, 27
4. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” Mark 15:34
5. “I thirst.” John 19:28
6. “It is finished.” John 19:30
7. “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46

Below is the front and back of a 3” x 5” card I give out for the sermon.

My daughter wrote a poem after hearing the sermon.

In Remembrance of Me

When reflecting on the Lord’s Supper
There are some things to keep in mind.
So your mind doesn’t wander
These thoughts will keep you in line.

There are seven things to remember
About Jesus and the cross.
Thank you, God, for sending Jesus
So our souls won’t be lost.

Well, there was one Lord – one Lord
His name is Jesus Christ.
Two thieves – two thieves
One went to Paradise (with Jesus).

Three crosses – three crosses
But only one saved our souls.
Four soldiers – four soldiers
Gambling for Jesus’ clothes.

Well, there were five wounds – five wounds
His hands, His feet, and His side.
Six hours – six hours
Our Lord was crucified.

While hanging on the cross
There were words that Jesus breathed.
When you open your Bible to the gospels
These seven sayings you can read.

Well, there was one Lord, two thieves,
Three crosses, and four men,
Five wounds, six hours,
Seven sayings and amen.

– Christi Parsons