Who is the host for the Lord’s Supper?
Question:
In a discussion, someone asked, "Who is the host for the Lord's Supper?" We discussed some possible answers and one man thought it not fitting to argue over non-biblical terms. Is it a biblical concept to know who is the "host" for the Lord's supper, and, if so, then would the host be the Christians who serve each other, or would the host be Jesus who was our sacrifice? Just wondering about your thoughts and any passages you can relate to this subject. Thanks
Answer:
Generally, when people make a big issue out of terms not used in the Bible, I wonder if there isn't some false doctrine over on the side that is being justified by extra-biblical terms. "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself" (I Timothy 6:3-5). A quick search on my part didn't show up any particular doctrine based around who hosts the Lord's supper, so I'm assuming this is just a curiosity type of question.
The answer is found in the very name that we call the memorial meal: It is the Lord's Supper, meaning that it belongs to the Lord. It was instituted by Christ (I Corinthians 11:23-26) and it was he who invited all Christians to come a partake of it. Those serving at the table are merely serving. They did not invite the participants. They do not plan the meal. They merely serve as the Lord directs.
