Lord's Supper 6/7/26

Rest displayed in the Lord’s Supper

In a Jewish household during the time of Jesus, and for generations before, God’s people would gather for a meal on Friday night to transition from the norm of everyday life to the day of rest known as Shabbat, or Sabbath.

The focus was to rest and remember all God had done.

And to reflect on His example and command to rest.

Jesus established a new meal for His followers

Matthew 26:26–28 CSB

26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus gave us this meal to be something we repeat as a rhythm of our family.

The rhythm of coming back to the table is a rhythm of announcing and remembering.

We are remembering and announcing that Jesus is our salvation and we are proclaiming that all who come to Him will find true and lasting satisfaction.

There is a reason we fence the table, meaning we limit those who can take the Lord’s supper only to those who have trusted Christ for salvation.

This is not a meal for those outside the faith, for those who have not committed their life to Jesus.

His body and His blood are not yours, and so they have no significance for you.

You are invited to watch, but not to participate, at least right now.

The celebration comes when you realize your need for Jesus, your need for forgiveness, your need for redemption.

We celebrate the Lord’s Supper because we want to proclaim to those watching today that they are in desperate need for what these elements represent.

There is nothing special about this bread or juice, but they are a reminder that we are invited to the table with Jesus.

We are invited to receive the gift of salvation through His body and His blood.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 CSB

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.