Communion

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 11

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;

24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “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

We have the honor of parting in the Lord’s Supper today. Before I read the text in 1st Corinthians 11, let us take a brief moment to prepare ourselves, to remind ourselves of it’s importance. Paul calls us to remember this as our Lord’s final act before going to the cross; those who were present, and those with whom this account was shared, would know the story: Jesus arranges for them to eat the Passover meal together- a tradition which was already rich in meaning- commemorating How God allowed the death angel to pass over those who had the lamb’s blood sprinkled over their doors…the final act before the Jews were freed from Egypt by God’s own hand. Jesus adds another layer to this, knowing that the Exodus from Egypt was merely a foreshadowing of the Lamb of God would free all men from bondage, who had accepted his sacrifice. This singularly momentous event in human history was finally here. That very night, God’s promise would be fulfilled.

The table was spread; the guests of honor had arrived. The Lord of the feast waits for this moment to disrobe and wash his guests feet. An act of humility, which was pale in comparison to the humiliation that was to come. With great reverence, Paul says in the text (read V23-26).

Twice Paul reminds us that the Lord says, “remember me.”. I have to think that this remembrance should be isolated to this moment. But when you are at home…remember me. When you go to work…remember me. When you are celebrating, or going through difficulties…remember me. Let the precious cost that was paid for your freedom stay in your thoughts, always.

Let us pray God’s blessings of the sacraments. <Pray>

<Take the bread> Jesus said, “Take eat this is my body.” The Body of our Lord Jesus, broken for you, and broken for me. <eat the bread>

<Take the cup> Jesus said, “This cup is the new testament in my blood.” The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, shed for you and shed for me. <drink the juice>

Close out with a hymn.