CHILDREN AT THE LORD’S TABLE?
Richard E. Smith

The Lord’s Supper, as we know it, came into being during the Passover meal which Jesus shared with his disciples. This was an unusual Passover with twelve men gathered with the Lord around a table. It was not typical at all. This was normally a family affair (Ex. 12:3). The mother and father and children ate it together. Even today the Seder ritual begins with a young child asking, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” Then the father answers and more questions are asked. In Jewish homes the children help prepare by searching the house for pieces of leavened bread which the father has hidden. It is a joyful, festive event and very much a family affair. The children delight in being a part of it.

Even though the children of the fleeing Hebrews could not fully comprehend the full significance of the lamb’s blood on the doorpost, and the great thing God had wrought, they were not excluded. Far from it. Their very participation in this memorial over the years taught them to revere and treasure that great act of deliverance. What they experienced as children they probably first really under-stood as adults.

Our Lord’s Supper came out of this lovely family feast of the Jews. Is it not curious that under the lesser covenant the young children were intimately and joyously involved, and under the superior covenant (Heb. 8:6) they are totally excluded? Instead, they must sit there as outsiders and non-participants until the age of 12 or 14 when they are baptized. I doubt that this exclusion is in God’s will at all.

Is it consistent to teach a four-year old to sing “Jesus Loves Me” and urge him to believe in the Lord but exclude him from this great family feast which celebrates our deliverance? These are the same ones of whom Jesus said, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven. Don’t keep them from coming to me.” These are the same children that Paul tells us are sanctified and holy because of their parents’ faith (1 Cor. 7:14).

These small children may not comprehend the full meaning of the bread and the cup (most of us don’t) but they know it has to do with God’s love. They have been taught to believe in Jesus. They should be able to celebrate along with the rest of the family. Their exclusion is merely a misguided tradition.

Growing up in another Christian tradition, I have vivid memories of sitting next to my mother and father as a five-year old, reverently sharing with them in the Lord’s Supper. It was a joyful experience for me. I’m glad I was blessed with that opportunity. I hope we can see fit to include in the Lord’s Supper those who were seen by Jesus as typical of the kingdom of heaven.—1420 Drury Dr., Dallas, Tx. 75232