The Lord’s Table
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Text: Matthew 26:26–29
Introduction:
The Lord’s Supper is not just a tradition—it’s a powerful reminder. Yet, confusion surrounds its meaning. Is it mystical? Literal? Symbolic?
A powerful illustration shows the emptiness of excusing disobedience:
“The dying thief didn’t join a church, get baptized, or take the Lord’s Supper—and he was saved.”
But the wise minister replied:
“The difference is, the thief was dying in his belief. You are dead in yours.”
I. The Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper
🔹 Why is it called an ordinance?
It is one of two church ordinances instituted by Christ and practiced by the early church:
Instituted by Christ – Matthew 26:26–29
Practiced in Acts – Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7
Instructed in the Epistles – 1 Corinthians 11:23–34
Baptists affirm only two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
We reject footwashing as an ordinance because it lacks all three marks above.
Roman Catholic (Transubstantiation)
Belief: The bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, though they retain the appearance of bread and wine.
Key Term: Transubstantiation
Support: John 6:53-56 (”…except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man…”)
Lutheran (Sacramental Union)
Belief: Christ’s body and blood are truly present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine.
Key Term: Consubstantiation (though many Lutherans avoid that word)
Support: Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16
Reformed (Spiritual Presence)
Belief: Christ is spiritually present in the elements in a special way, nourishing believers.
Key Term: Spiritual Real Presence
Support: 1 Corinthians 10:16
Baptist (Memorial View)
Belief: The elements are symbols, representing Christ’s body and blood, and the Supper is an act of remembrance.
Key Term: Memorialism or Symbolic View
Support: Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25
Biblical Defense of the Baptist (Memorial) View
Baptists emphasize that the Lord’s Supper is a picture or memorial based on the plain reading of Scripture.
Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Luke 22:19 (KJV) – “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (KJV) – “…this do in remembrance of me.”
🔹 These verses show that the purpose is to remember Christ’s sacrifice, not to physically partake of His body.
Jesus often used symbolic language
John 10:9 (KJV) – “I am the door…”
John 15:5 (KJV) – “I am the vine…”
🔹 Just as Jesus didn’t mean He was literally a door or a vine, His saying “this is my body” can also be understood symbolically.
The Supper is a proclamation, not a re-sacrifice
1 Corinthians 11:26 (KJV) – “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
🔹 “Shew” = proclaim or declare. The act is a visual sermon—a gospel picture—not a means of receiving the literal body and blood.
Christ’s sacrifice was once for all
Hebrews 10:10-12 (KJV) – “…we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all…”
🔹 Since Christ’s sacrifice is complete and sufficient, there’s no need for a repeated or mystical re-offering of His body in the Supper.
Paul distinguishes between the symbol and the reality
1 Corinthians 11:26-29 talks about examining oneself before partaking, not because the elements change, but because the act represents something holy.
🔹 The seriousness comes not from mystical transformation but from what the act represents—the death of Christ and the unity of His body, the Church.
🛡 Summary for Defending the Symbolic View
The Lord’s Supper is a memorial, commanded by Christ to help believers remember His death.
Jesus used figurative language frequently, so “this is my body” is best understood symbolically.
The act proclaims Christ’s death and points forward to His return.
Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice makes any idea of re-sacrificing or ongoing presence in elements theologically unnecessary.
The seriousness of the ordinance lies in its meaning, not in mystical transformation.
II. The Purpose of the Lord’s Supper
The Supper is not a mystical ritual—it is a fourfold reminder:
Reflection – On Christ’s sacrifice
2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
🙇 Recognition – Of our sinfulness
Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8–9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
🎉 Celebration – Of Christ’s love
Romans 5:8; John 10:11; 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
👀 Anticipation – Of Christ’s return
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
❗ Note: The Supper is not for forgiveness—Christ’s death accomplished that fully. It’s for remembrance.
III. The Picture of the Lord’s Supper
The bread was common—Christ made Himself of no reputation.
The cup (fruit of the vine) was reserved for kings—now given to all.
This blend of common and sacred pictures Christ’s humility and glory.
Symbolism over Substance:
The unleavened bread and fruit of the vine are pure symbols.
Baptists reject transubstantiation or mystical presence—the Supper started as a picture and remains a picture.
IV. The Authority of the Lord’s Supper
Who oversees this ordinance? The local New Testament church.
Unlike some who celebrate communion anywhere, Baptists believe:
It was given by Christ to His assembled disciples – Matthew 26:28
It was practiced by local churches:
Jerusalem – Acts 2:41–42
Troas – Acts 20:7
Corinth – 1 Corinthians 10–11
It was subject to church discipline – 1 Corinthians 5:11
Therefore, the local church holds authority over the Supper—not individuals or institutions.
V. The Admission to the Lord’s Supper
Who should partake?
Saved – Only believers are partakers of Christ
For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Baptized – Baptism precedes the Supper
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Members of that local body – The Supper is for the assembled body of believers, not visitors or spectators
Examined – A call to self-inspection
1 Corinthians 11:28: “But let a man examine himself…”
Conclusion: A Call to Examine Ourselves
The Lord’s Supper is not just a picture of Christ’s death—
It is a mirror for the soul.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:28–29
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
“Let a man examine himself…”
Examine:
Your walk with Christ
Your relationships with others
Your attitude toward the ordinance
Your heart for repentance and renewal
This table is for the humble, the grateful, the cleansed, and the willing.
Final Appeal:
Don’t take the Lord’s Supper lightly.
Don’t skip it in indifference.
Don’t misuse it in pride.
Instead:
Come with reverence,
Confess your sin,
Remember His love,
And walk out resolved to live for Christ who died for you.
