The Meal Jesus Gave Us: Understanding Holy Communion

Among the possible criticisms of this book, one could include its scant theological exposition or some oversimplification of the significance of the Lord's Supper. On both counts I say, "Hooray." Jesus did not institute the Supper for theologians, but for all its participants through the ages. Wright's exposition is both simple and rich. Among high church traditions, for whom this observance is central, there may be nothing novel in this book. But among my evangelical peers its whole idea is revolutionary. Communion is at the center of Christian worship, a simplistic telling of the story of God and of his people, our people, across the ages. I find a stinging irony in the fact that in my own church, although we observe the Lord's Supper at every gathering, we grope to find ways "to make it meaningful" and for ways to "illustrate it" with a communion meditation. Gasp!! It is not the supper itself that illustrates Christ and defines Meaning for his people. How did we wander off? Our central observance today is a speech in an auditorium, not a meal at a table. I fear this distortion is as profound as it is subtle. Again, this little book should be required reading for we evangelicals who tend to lose sight of the big picture. The Supper brings that picture vividy into focus.

The recent attention given to sacramental spirituality has led to a greater emphasis on the nature of the Sacraments - particularly the Eucharist. Anglican scholar (and now Bishop of Durham) N. T. Wright has written this popular treatment (his popular works are written under the penname 'Tom Wright') of the subject as catechetical material for new member and confirmation classes. Wright's noted ability to communicate difficult ideas and his extensive knowledge of New Testament beliefs and practices combine in The Meal Jesus Gave Us to produce one of the best introductory books on the Eucharist. The book is divided into two sections covering the early historical development of the Eucharistic and the theology of the Eucharist. In the first section Wright uses a little "play acting" exercise to better place the development in the proper historical and cultural background. Wright's extensive research into the Jewish origins of the Christian Faith gives some valuable insight into what early Christians made of this act of worship. In outlining a theology of the Eucharist, Wright draws on elements from both the Eastern Churches and the often neglected Eucharistic theology of John Calvin. An interesting point he raises is that the Aramaic language Jesus and the Apostles likely spoke has no strict equivalent of the word "is" which forms the center of debate among most Western Christians. Wright places the Eucharist as a presentation of the great drama of salvation given to us in the liturgy through Word and Sacrament. Jesus is made present to us across time from the heavenly realm and centered on the defining moment of history occurring on the cross. While not intended as a scholarly work, The Meal Jesus Gave Us gives a strong exposition of the centrality of the Eucharist to Christian worship. The only drawback perhaps is the lack of a bibliography for those who wish to do further reading. However, for catechetical purposes it is a wonder and those across the ecclesial spectrum will profit greatly by reading it.

Bishop Wright has done it again. Like his other writing he brings a fresh, contemporary view on an element of classic Christianity while maintaining its truth and orthodoxy. Not only does this little book bring greater understanding about the "Jesus Meal" it also shows, with clarity, the greater significance. This book would be great as an introduction, devotional or even group study. I highly recommend along with the other works of N.T. Wright.

Another very helpful and well written book from Tom Wright, Anglican Bishop of Durham, U.K. The book mainly provides the background needed for understanding "the Jesus Meal" throughout the Bible and in early church history. Much is written in narrative, and then dialectic format. A quick and powerful experience about a real and beautiful element of the Christian Religion.

Though N. T. Wright is one of the brightest and best theologians and biblical scholars that our modern world is blessed to have, he has a way of communicating which is helpful for even the most un-learned layman. In this volume, Wright communicates the basic history of the Eucharist, and suggests the ways in which this meal still impacts Christians today. This is an excellent tool for pastors and priests who wish to introduce this new and sacred meal to recent converts, confirmation classes, or people who wish to get a "refresher" course on Holy Communion.