PF - Lord’s Supper

Today we’re going to look at the Lord’s Supper. You might also have heard the term Holy Communion.

It’s basically a very important moment during the service where everyone gets to eat some bread and drink some wine together. But is there something more going on? And I’m pretty sure you know the answer is yes!

The three questions to ask, then, are: What’s the Lord’s Supper?; What does it mean?; Who can have it?

Let me pray before we look at those three.

PRAY

WHAT’S THE LORD’S SUPPER?

If a friend asked you what it is, what would you say?

Now, Jesus tells us what the Lord’s Supper actually is!

Come to Matthew chapter 26. I’ll read verse 19 and then skip ahead to 26 and read until verse 28.

Matthew 26:19 NIV

So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

Matthew 26:26–28 NIV

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

So, the bread represents Jesus’ body. And the wine represents Jesus’ blood. And He’s saying He’s going to shed His blood to forgive our sins.

And then, in the other gospels, Jesus even tells the disciples “Do this to remember me.” And so, that means that Jesus’ disciples, including us, are supposed to continue to have this little meal that Jesus had all those years ago.

But what does any of this mean? It seems a bit random, right? Well, we need to think about our next question.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

You see, we are missing a key piece of the puzzle. What if I told you that this meal - this Lord’s Supper - actually goes back to another special meal thousands of years ago?

Look at verse 19 again. Any word there that catches your eye?

Passover! What is that about?

Now, on the night of the passover, what did the families have to do with the lamb? And if they did that, what would happen?

Do you see what’s happening in Matthew with the Lord’s Supper then? We’re supposed to think about Jesus, the bread and the wine like the Passover meal!

Which means, Jesus represents… And, at the cross, He’s about to sacrifice Himself so that we would be forgiven. So that we wouldn’t suffer God’s wrath.

Which is exactly what happened with the lamb.

So, putting it all together, the Lord’s Supper is a special meal that our church shares to remind us and to celebrate the fact that Jesus died so that we could be forgiven.

Which actually brings us to our final question.

WHO CAN HAVE THE LORD’S SUPPER?

Back in Exodus, who ate the Passover? Israelites. People who believed in God. God’s people!

When Jesus has that meal, who is He having the meal with? His disciples. People who believe in Him. God’s people!

Do you see the pattern, then? Who can have the Lord’s Supper? Anyone who believes in Jesus. Anyone who is a member of God’s people.

Now, do you remember what we said about baptism last week? We said that it’s the external sign that someone has become a member of God’s people. Which is why only people who were also baptised can have the Lord’s Supper.

But that’s a different discussion. Now, what about people who don’t trust in Jesus? Can’t they also participate?

Well, we have to understand what’s happening when we have the Lord’s Supper.

When we eat the bread and drink the wine, we are actually saying things about ourselves without even using words. We are saying “Jesus, I remember what you did for me. Thank you! I want to follow you!”

In other words, when we eat the bread and drink the wine, we are telling ourselves and everyone else around us that we believe in Jesus. So, who can have the Lord’s Supper?

Only people who believe in Jesus. And guys, this is really serious.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11 that if someone takes the Lord’s Supper while not trusting Jesus, they are guilty of offending Jesus. They are actually making God angry.

So, it’s really important you understand this: if you don’t believe in Jesus, no matter how much everyone else tells you to, DO NOT take the bread and the wine.

But if you’re sure that you’ve put your trust in Jesus, go for it! And hey - really enjoy the moment. It’s more than just some bread and wine.

It’s a really great way of saying thanks to Jesus. Of saying “Wow Jesus, you died for me! You saved me! Thanks!”

One thing I like to do when I have the Lord’s Supper is I’ll sit down and pray quietly and say “God, thank you for the privilege of having the Lord’s Supper. Thank you that Jesus died for me.”

Maybe give that a try next time we have the Lord’s Supper after Pathfinders in the morning.

So, Lord’s Supper is about remembering and thanking Jesus for dying for us. That’s why it’s only for those who trust and follow Him.

Let me say thanks to God for the Lord’s Supper. And then we can have questions.

PRAY