Evangelicals need to thicken our theology of the Lord\u2019s Supper, first by drawing more of the Bible into the discussion of the Supper, and second by drawing more of the Supper into discussion of the Supper.<\/p>\n
Even a fine recent treatment of Reformed sacramental theology, Todd Billings\u2019s Remembrance, Communion, and Hope<\/em>, is still too thin on both counts. Billings does discuss the key New Testament passages\u2014the institution narratives, Jesus\u2019 resurrection meals, 1 Corinthians 10-11\u2014and makes passing references to Passover and other Old Testament passages, meals, and festivals. But the richness of Old Testament theology still feels lacking. Billings observes that Paul sees manna as a type of the church\u2019s covenant meal, but he doesn\u2019t follow up the clue. If manna is a type, might there be others?<\/p>\n Many examine the Supper through a \u201czoom lens,\u201d focusing narrowly on the most disputed point in historic debates\u2014the metaphysics of the bread and wine. Much to his credit, Billings pulls back the camera to give us a wider view. In several \u201ccongregational snapshots,\u201d he reminds us that the Supper involves people<\/em> gathered to say and do, eat and drink. He rightly shows that a theology of the Supper must be integrated with the theology of the church.<\/p>\n But we need an even wider angle. Communion bread doesn\u2019t fall from heaven. Wine doesn\u2019t come tricklin\u2019 down the rock. As one Eucharistic prayer puts it, the bread and wine are \u201cfruit of the earth and the work of human hands.\u201d Bread and wine represent nature transformed into culture by human action. A thick theology of the Supper needs to broaden beyond the theology of the church into a theology of culture. So, I offer a suggestive, not definitive, picture of what a thicker theology of the Supper might look like\u2014a pencil drawing, not a portrait.<\/p>\n Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Today is #MaundyThursday<\/a> the day that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ washed the feet of his disciple, preformed the last supper and commanded that you must \u201cLove one another. As I have loved you” John 13:34. May God bless you all this day and every day to come. #HolyWeek<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/QKa3Fh8ipk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ian Parker (@IanParker24) April 18, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n