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The Lord’s Supper
A Sermon based on the Hymn The
Lord’s Supper by Tillit S. Teddlie
Introduction:
This hymn focuses our hearts on the sacred memorial of Christ’s
sacrifice. Written by Tillit S. Teddlie, a prolific hymn writer among
churches of Christ, “The Lord’s Supper” draws worshippers into deep
reflection on the death of Jesus, as instituted by the Lord Himself on
the night of His betrayal (Matthew 26:26–29). The hymn
beautifully captures the solemnity and unity of the church gathered
around the table, remembering the body and blood of Christ. It is not a
common meal, nor a ritual to be taken lightly, but a spiritual
participation in the body and blood of the Lord (1 Corinthians
10:16–17).
Each phrase reminds us that we are
not mere spectators of history, but active participants in the covenant
of grace. As we sing, we are challenged to examine ourselves, discern
the meaning of the emblems, and renew our commitment to live faithfully
under the lordship of Jesus. This hymn is more than poetic—it is
biblical instruction in song, urging us to remember Jesus, proclaim His
death, and look forward to His return. Let us consider each stanza as a
meditation on the beauty, gravity, and purpose of the Lord’s Supper.
Stanza One – “When we meet in
sweet communion / where the feast divine is spread”
The Lord’s Supper is not just a gathering—it is communion. The Greek
word koinonia implies fellowship and sharing. We meet in sweet
communion with Christ and with one another (1 Corinthians 10:16).
The feast divine refers to the memorial meal instituted by Jesus
Himself, not an ordinary banquet, but a sacred act of worship (Luke
22:19–20). As we gather, we do not merely remember events of the
past—we commune with the risen Lord who is present in our hearts.
Stanza Two – “Hearts are brought
in closer union / while partaking of the bread”
The Supper is not only vertical in its focus (toward Christ), but
horizontal (toward one another). Acts 2:42 reveals that the early
church continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread. In partaking of
the bread, we acknowledge the one body of Christ and our unity as
members of it (1 Corinthians 10:17). The Supper brings us
closer—not because of shared background or opinions—but because we share
a Savior, a covenant, and a hope.
Stanza Three – “Precious feast
all else surpassing / wondrous love for you and me”
The Supper surpasses all earthly feasts because it reminds us of the
greatest act of love the world has ever seen. Romans 5:8 says,
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still
sinners, Christ died for us.” It is precious because it cost the
life of the Son of God. It is wondrous because that sacrifice was
voluntary, complete, and redeeming. Every time we eat this bread and
drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Stanza Four – “While we feast
Christ gently whispers / ‘Do this in my memory’”
This final line echoes the command of Jesus in Luke 22:19 and
1 Corinthians 11:24–25. The Lord’s voice speaks—not audibly, but
through the Word and the Supper itself. It is not a whisper of guilt,
but of grace: “Remember Me.” Every Lord’s Day, the table becomes a
sacred moment of remembering—not just the suffering, but the love behind
it. And that memory stirs devotion, repentance, and hope for His coming
again.
Chorus – “God so loved what
wondrous measure / loved and gave the best of heaven / bought us with
that matchless treasure / yea, for us His life was given”
The chorus of this hymn stands alone as a summary of the gospel. John
3:16 declares, “God so loved the world…” but this chorus
personalizes that truth. He gave the best of heaven—His own Son.
He bought us—we are no longer our own (1 Corinthians 6:20).
And His life was given for us—a sacrifice none of us could earn
or deserve. The chorus moves our hearts from reflection to worship, from
memory to praise.
The Lord’s Supper Sermon Outline:
Stanza 1: Gathering in Communion
- 1 Corinthians 10:16; Luke
22:19–20
- Spiritual participation, not
empty ritual
- Remembering Christ as we gather
Stanza 2: Unity in the Bread
- 1 Corinthians 10:17; Acts
2:42
- Fellowship with one another in
Christ
- One body, many members
Stanza 3: Love Beyond Compare
- Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians
11:26
- A memorial of sacrificial love
- Supersedes all earthly joys
Stanza 4: Christ’s Command to
Remember
- 1 Corinthians 11:24–25; Luke
22:19
- Obedience to His voice
- Remembering with reverence and
gratitude
Chorus: The Gospel in One Song
- John 3:16; 1 Corinthians
6:20
- God gave the best of heaven
- We are bought with a price
Call to Action:
Are you discerning the body and blood of the Lord each time you partake?
Are you examining your heart as commanded in 1 Corinthians 11:28?
The Lord’s Supper is a weekly opportunity to renew our covenant, deepen
our faith, and reaffirm our hope. Do not let it become routine. Let
every piece of bread and every sip of the cup remind you that Jesus died
for you—personally, lovingly, and intentionally. And then live in a way
that honors that sacrifice.
Key Takeaways:
- The Lord’s Supper is a
communion with Christ and His body, the church
(1 Corinthians 10:16)
- The Supper draws believers
into closer union and fellowship (Acts
2:42)
- It proclaims the sacrificial
love of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8)
- The Lord commands us to
remember Him in this act (1 Corinthians
11:24–25)
- God gave heaven’s best, and
we are now His—bought with a price (1
Corinthians 6:20)
Scripture Reference List:
- Matthew 26:26–29
– Institution of the Lord’s Supper
- Luke 22:19–20
– “Do this in remembrance of Me”
- 1 Corinthians 10:16–17
– Communion of the body and blood
- 1 Corinthians 11:24–26
– Proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes
- Romans 5:8
– Christ died for us while we were sinners
- John 3:16
– God gave His only Son
- 1 Corinthians 6:20
– You were bought with a price
- Acts 2:42
– The early church’s devotion to the breaking of bread
- 1 Corinthians 11:28
– Let a man examine himself
Song History:
“The Lord’s Supper” was written by Tillit S. Teddlie, a faithful
gospel preacher and songwriter in the churches of Christ. Known for
hymns such as “Worthy Art Thou” and “Heaven Holds All to Me,” Teddlie
composed songs that were both musically rich and doctrinally sound. This
hymn has been used by countless congregations as a reflective lead-in to
the communion service, encouraging hearts to focus on the sacrifice,
love, and command of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prepared by David Hersey of the
church of Christ at Granby, MO
Full
Library of Songbook Hymn Sermons
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