Even in the holiest and most reverent church services, sometimes things occur that produce some giggles or even laughter.
A grandmother took her six-year-old grandson with her one Sunday. It was the day on which the congregation observed the Lord’s Supper. She had previously explained the sacraments to the young child and told him he would partake when he was older and became a Christian.
He observed the service with great interest. That day, the offering plate was passed at the end of the service. The grandmother dropped in some bills. The child asked, “Did you have to pay for it (the Lord’s supper)?” Even though she explained it cost her nothing, we know it cost Christ the ultimate price.
First impressions
On another occasion, a couple who had been members of my young adults Sunday school class moved to a new city for employment. They started visiting other churches to see what was the perfect fit for the family.
A neighbor observed this and invited them to go with him to his church, a Methodist church, even though they were Baptists. They followed along with their neighbor to observe the sacraments as he did. In the Baptist churches, the deacons pass the plates of bread and trays of grape juice to the members.
And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant established by My blood; it is shed for you. (Luke 22:19–20)
In this Methodist church, the people went to the altar where the pastor tore pieces of bread from a loaf and placed them on the tongues, and they took the wine from a common cup. The young son had walked to the altar with his parents. Just as the pastor was tearing off pieces of bread for them, he dropped one on the floor.
As he reached down to retrieve it, he held the loaf about mouth-high to the child, The temptation was too great. The son leaned over and took a big bite from the loaf. This brought restrained laughter from the congregation. Of course, the parents were very embarrassed. They quickly checked that church off their list of prospects.
Despite the funny incidents, the Lord’s Supper is a time when we reflect on the beaten body and the shed blood Christ paid for the sacrifice of our sins.
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