Catechism Question 79
What other names are given for the Lord’s Supper in Scripture? What do we learn about this meal from these names?
The Lord’s Supper is also known as the Breaking of Bread, the Lord’s Table, the Eucharist, and Communion. From these we learn that this sacrament is a meal belonging to God, for which we give thanks, and through which we are united with God and His people as we partake in faith.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
This is the second in a series of questions on the Lord’s Supper. In this question, we list the various names given for this meal in Scripture. As we do this, we are able to see its major benefits for the believer. It also helps us understand why different churches refer to this meal by a variety of names.
First, the Supper is also called the breaking of bread, which shows that it is a meal. Second, it is called the Lord’s Table, which shows that this meal belongs to God and He is the Host of the meal. Third, it is called the Eucharist (the Greek word for ‘thanksgiving’) because in this meal we give thanks to God for Christ and the salvation He has given to us. Finally, it is called Communion, because as we receive it in faith, we are united with Christ and with His people the Church.
Additional Questions:
What are the various names given in Scripture for the Lord’s Supper? What do you think each of these different titles might help us to understand about this meal?
Scripture References:
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 20:7
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.
1 Corinthians 10:21
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
1 Corinthians 10:16
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Why is this meal referred to as the Breaking of Bread? Since regular meals were also referred to as breaking bread, why do you think Luke (see Luke 24:30-35; Acts 2:42; 20:7) used the name of regular meals for this special covenant meal?
Why is this meal referred to as the Lord’s Table? If this is His Table, and He is the Host of the meal, what does that tell me about its importance?
Why do some Christians call this meal the Eucharist? What does calling this meal “The Thanksgiving” tell me about how I should receive it?
Why is the meal referred to as communion? What does it mean when Paul says that eating and drinking this meal is a communion/participation (the Greek word is koinonia, which means fellowship or participation) with the body and blood of Christ? What does it mean to say that when we all partake of the one loaf we are all one Body?
Additional Information:
For further information, see the teachings “The Thanksgiving Meal” (August 19, 2012), “Communion” (June 3, 2012), and “The Church – The Community of Worship” (October 25, 2020).
Suggested Worship Song:
The Table (Chris Tomlin)
(This song refers to the sacrament as the Table of the Lord, another of the key names for the Lord’s Supper.)
I will feast at the table of the Lord
I will feast at the table of the Lord
I won’t hunger anymore
At His table [x2]
Come all you weary; come and find
His yoke is easy; His burden light
He is able; He will restore
At the table of the Lord
There is peace at the table of the Lord
There is peace at the table of the Lord
I won’t worry anymore
At His table
There is healing at the table of the Lord
There is healing at the table of the Lord
I won’t suffer anymore
At His table
Come all you weary; come and find
His yoke is easy; His burden light
He is able; He will restore
At the table of the Lord
I know He has a place for me
Oh, what joy will fill my heart
With the saints around the mercy seat of God
Come all you weary; come and find
His yoke is easy; his burden light
He is able; He will restore
At the table of the Lord
At the table of the Lord
I’m invited to the table of the Lord
I’m invited to the table of the Lord
He says, “Come just as you are”
To His table