By Randy Ballinger
When we read the Gospel accounts about the night before Jesus went to the cross, we see words about the institution of the Lord’s Supper:
“Do this in remembrance of me”; we remember what Jesus did for us.
“For the forgiveness of sins”; this is why Jesus did what he did for us.
But we also see words that may trouble us, for they certainly troubled his disciples: “One of you will betray me.”
When Jesus revealed that a betrayer was sitting at the table with him, it caused each one of his disciples to consider whether he was capable of such treachery. One by one, each declared, “Surely you don’t mean me?”
Each one of them, including Judas, was forced by Jesus’ revelation to question his own thoughts and motives regarding the Lord.
Jesus made the Lord’s Supper not only a time of remembrance, but a time of self-examination.
Self-examination isn’t about making sure your good deeds outweigh your bad—that’s self-justification. It isn’t about comparing yourself to your neighbor—that’s self-righteousness.
Self-examination is a reflection on your relationship with Jesus and whether you are responding appropriately. He is your Savior—are you grateful? He is your Lord—are you submissive to his rule?
Two thousand years ago, Jesus invited 12 men around his table and challenged each one of them to examine their relationship with him.
Today, he invites you to do the same.
Randy Ballinger lives with his wife, Gina Ann, near New Paris, Ohio, and serves as an elder with the Centerville (Indiana) Christian Church.