THE LORD’S SUPPER
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INTRODUCTION
It was the night before the crucifixion that Jesus bowed His head blessing the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine.
It was the night before the crucifixion that Jesus bowed His head blessing the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine.
This event in the life of Christ was to be the memorial of His life, death, and resurrection.
Therefore the seriousness of this memorial is one that must not be overlooked.
The institution of this memorial was done at the Passover Feast (Mk. 14:12-25; Lk.22).
The Passover came about at the time of Israel’s freedom from bondage to Egypt.
The Passover came about at the time of Israel’s freedom from bondage to Egypt.
God’s people had been held captive by the Egyptian Pharoah, but God said “let my people go” (Exo. 5:1).
God ordained this feast of the Passover to be a remembrance of the freedom which they would attain by the hand of the Lord.
The head of each family was instructed to sacrifice a male lamb or kid in its first year.
It was to be one that was without blemish.
The head of the family was then to take the blood and sprinkle it on the door posts and lintel of the door.
This obedience was to signify those that were faithful, and thus avoid the tenth plague which would take the life of the first-born male child (Exo. 11:5; 12:1-14).
We must also emphasize that they were to remove all leaven from their houses (Exo. 12:15-20).
We must also emphasize that they were to remove all leaven from their houses (Exo. 12:15-20).
This was just as important as the blood on the door posts and lintel of the door.
For in this strict observance, they demonstrated their faith in God.
Please remember that this Passover was to be a remembrance.
As Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, He also said, “this do in remembrance of me” (Lk. 22:7-20; Mt. 26:26-35).
Just as the Passover was a memorial of deliverance from bondage, so is the Lord’s Supper a memorial signifying our deliverance from the bondage of sin.
The blood of Christ made this deliverance possible.
After the church was established, Christians were to faithfully observe the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42; 20:7)
DISCUSSION
THE LORD’S SUPPER – ITS PURPOSE
THE LORD’S SUPPER – ITS PURPOSE
It is a memorial service
It is a memorial service
19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Therefore, the Lord’s Supper is to be done with the Lord Jesus in mind.
Our word “remembrance is derived from the Greek word anamnesis, which means: “Not just a memory of – but an affectionate calling of the person himself to mind – it is an awakening of the mind.
Therefore, it is not an abstract thought, but it means to ponder with deep feeling of love and affection!
We are to bring to our mind the solemn responsibility involved in the Lord’s Supper.
The Lord’s Supper should bring to our mind:
The night in Gethsemane (Mt. 26:36-46)
The mob (Mt. 26:47-56)
The trial (Mt. 26:57-68)
The nails and spear (Jn. 20:25-26; 19:34)
And the blood that was shed for you and me (Mk. 14:24)
This memorial should bring to our mind God’s supreme love.
The Lord’s Supper is a proclamation
The Lord’s Supper is a proclamation
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord’s death till he come.
We can all teach a great lesson in the act of observing the Lord’s Supper.
Nothing is more beautiful than when the entire congregation in joint participation, solemnly, faithfully, and with meaning observes this memorial feast.
In this memorial we proclaim our love and remembrance of Christ.
We must not forget the fact that the Lord’s Supper is a great means by which we weekly proclaim that Jesus is real.
For in this observance we teach the historical fact of Christ – His death, His mission, and His coming again.
The Lord’s Supper is also a means of spiritual nourishment
The Lord’s Supper is also a means of spiritual nourishment
God gives us both physical and spiritual life, but both are dependent upon certain conditions.
Physical life is sustained by physical food and spiritual life is sustained by spiritual food.
In the Lord’s Supper we should understand that in this we are partaking of the spiritual feast.
We are to discern the body.
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh, eateth and drinketh judgment unto himself, if he discern not the body. 30 For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep.
When we discern the body, we are spiritually strengthened.
We must realize that our participation in the Lord’s Supper is not only an object lesson for the lost world – but it is also a great lesson for our children.
We must realize that our participation in the Lord’s Supper is not only an object lesson for the lost world – but it is also a great lesson for our children.
Just think, they are observing and learning the importance of this memorial feast.
It is of the same importance as the Passover was in teaching and informing the children at that time.
26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 that ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of Jehovah’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.
Thus, by our observance of the Lord’s Supper our children see and are taught the importance of Christ’s sacrifice for mankind.
THE ELEMENTS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
THE ELEMENTS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
The unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine are the elements which are to be used in the Lord’s Supper.
The unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine are the elements which are to be used in the Lord’s Supper.
19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, even that which is poured out for you.
Please remember our observation in the introduction concerning the leavening which had to be removed at the Passover as Israel was leaving Egypt.
Please remember our observation in the introduction concerning the leavening which had to be removed at the Passover as Israel was leaving Egypt.
In the same manner there is to be no leavening in our observance of the Lord’s Supper
The bread must be unleavened to properly observe this part of worship.
Likewise, the fruit of the vine must be unleavened in order to be obedient to God’s command.
Unleavened fruit of the vine is that which is unfermented.
It is highly inconsistent to insist that the bread be unleavened (and thus void of leaven which is so symbolic of the corruptible throughout the Bible) and use a liquid that is alcoholic in content when the same alcoholic content is so deeply embedded with so much that is sinful and wrong both on ancient as well as in modern times.
It is highly inconsistent to insist that the bread be unleavened (and thus void of leaven which is so symbolic of the corruptible throughout the Bible) and use a liquid that is alcoholic in content when the same alcoholic content is so deeply embedded with so much that is sinful and wrong both on ancient as well as in modern times.
THE MANNER OF PARTAKING THE LORD’S SUPPER
THE MANNER OF PARTAKING THE LORD’S SUPPER
Those at Corinth were corrupting the Lord’s Supper
Those at Corinth were corrupting the Lord’s Supper
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and I partly believe it. 19 For there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you. 20 When therefore ye assemble yourselves together, it is not possible to eat the Lord’s supper: 21 for in your eating each one taketh before other his own supper; and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and put them to shame that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you? In this I praise you not.
Paul then says…
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.
The failure to partake of the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner results in our being guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord
The failure to partake of the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner results in our being guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord’s death till he come.
But when we partake of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner, we proclaim the death of Jesus unworthy, and thus scorn the sacrifice of Jesus.
Such sacrilege involves a declared antagonism against the blood of Christ.
As we assemble and partake of the communion, we must reflect on the great love which God has bestowed upon us.
As we assemble and partake of the communion, we must reflect on the great love which God has bestowed upon us.
It is a time to remember our salvation through Jesus.
We must be careful never to make light of this time by talking, playing with the babies, or other things which detract from this most serious observance.
When one eats of the Lord’s Supper in a light, flippant way, he is partaking in an unworthy manner.
28 But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.
This command is extremely important as we partake of the Lord’s Supper.
Self-examination is often difficult because we do not like to look inwardly.
This examination pushes us to observe the deepest, most secretive parts of our being.
We need to look at ourselves in the way that our God sees us.
This examination demands honesty in the strictest sense of the word.
Truly, if we all would prepare to partake of this memorial by examining ourselves, we could better observe its meaning.
We ought to pray as we examine.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts; 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Perhaps you feel unworthy to engage in such sacred and holy worship.
Perhaps you feel unworthy to engage in such sacred and holy worship.
Even that feeling is a worthy preparation of heart.
Remember, Paul is talking about the manner of eating and drinking, and not your feelings of unworthiness.
Because of our imperfections every devout worshipper must approach the sacred feast with a feeling of unworthiness.
Such a one is not likely to eat and drink in an unworthy manner.
His humility and reverence is a safeguard against unworthy conduct.
As we are eating and drinking our minds should be on Calvary and its meaning.
THE FREQUENCY OF OBSERVING THE LORD’S SUPPER
THE FREQUENCY OF OBSERVING THE LORD’S SUPPER
7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.
The type of language used in this passage shows that the early Christians assembled on the first day of the week to observe the Lord’s Supper.
20 When therefore ye assemble yourselves together, it is not possible to eat the Lord’s supper:
It is evident that when the disciples of Corinth came together at all their stated meetings one of the professed objects for which they met was to eat of the Lord’s Supper.
2 Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
Here we learn they were in the habit of meeting on every Lord’s Day.
Consider the testimony of Justin Martyr (AD 150) says, “As we have already remarked, the celebration was still held to constitute an essential part of Divine worship of every Sunday.”
During the first two centuries the practice was universal and those who neglected it three weeks in succession were excommunicated (Robert Milligan, The Scheme of Redemption).
The early Christians knew and understood that they were to assemble on the first day of every week to worship God.
The early Christians knew and understood that they were to assemble on the first day of every week to worship God.
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
They understood that this meant every Sabbath.
The New Testament teaches that Christians are to meet on the first day of the week.
Therefore, it is inescapable, God means every week.
This is not hard to understand – one would need help to misunderstand.
THE LORD’S SUPPER IN THE KINGDOM
THE LORD’S SUPPER IN THE KINGDOM
The Bible knows nothing about “closed-communion,” or about “open-communion.”
The Bible knows nothing about “closed-communion,” or about “open-communion.”
The communion of the body and blood of our Lord can only be properly partaken of those who are members of the Lord’s body – the church.
This memorial feast is only in the Lord’s kingdom.
It has no true meaning for anyone who has not been born again by the blood of Christ (Rom. 6:1-6; Gal. 2:20).
Christians are those who may commune with the Lord by partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
Christians are those who may commune with the Lord by partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
Notice our Lord’s instruction to His disciples concerning the Lord’s Supper…
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 27 And he took a cup, and gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I shall not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
The Lord’s Supper is to be served in the Lord’s kingdom.
Christ told His disciples that He would drink of the fruit of the vine with them in His Father’s kingdom.
The kingdom of Christ is the church of Christ.
18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
The church is composed of those who are saved by the blood of Christ
The church is composed of those who are saved by the blood of Christ
28 Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.
The kingdom is composed of those of those who are saved by the blood of Christ
5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood; 6 and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Only God’s children, citizens of Christ’s kingdom, can commune with the body and blood of the Lord through the Lord’s Supper.
Only God’s children, citizens of Christ’s kingdom, can commune with the body and blood of the Lord through the Lord’s Supper.
CONCLUSION
As we conclude, let us all realize that the time of the Lord’s Supper is a sacred and holy event.
As we conclude, let us all realize that the time of the Lord’s Supper is a sacred and holy event.
The rugged cross of calvary stands forever fixed against the skyline of Jerusalem.
The rugged cross of calvary stands forever fixed against the skyline of Jerusalem.
It shouts of the love of God for mankind.
It shouts of the love of God for mankind.
It stands as a representation of God’s supreme sacrifice for man’s sins.
It stands as a representation of God’s supreme sacrifice for man’s sins.
As we assemble to partake of this memorial feast let us do so with deep reverence and profound love.
As we assemble to partake of this memorial feast let us do so with deep reverence and profound love.
Let us make sure that we prepare body and mind before we come to worship.
Let us make sure that we prepare body and mind before we come to worship.