Maundy Thursday

Since the time of the Reformation the Christian church has fragmented into innumerable divisions and factions, largely based on false understandings of the Lord’s Supper. The Roman church doubled down on her errors, setting the traditions of men above the Word of God. Meanwhile, the Reformed churches, in their haste to cleanse the impurities of Roman tradition, set up human reason in its place, choosing to disregard the clear words of Jesus concerning His Supper.

Sadly, these divisions exist today, and for this reason all Christians can no longer partake of the Lord’s Supper together. For when we come together, St. Paul admonishes in the name of the Lord Jesus, “Speak the same thing, and [let] there be no divisions among you, but be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor 1:10). There are three points upon which the Church stands divided regarding the Lord’s Supper that I will address tonight: all of which are easily answered by examining the words of Jesus: What the Sacrament is, what benefits it gives, and how it is worthily received.

First, what is the Sacrament? Some Christians are convinced, on the basis of human reason, that it is nothing more than a bit of bread and wine (or grape juice). For them it is only a remembrance, a representation, of our Lord’s death. But what does Jesus say? Take. Eat. This is My Body. Drink of this, all of you. This is my blood. But how can bread and wine be the Body and Blood of our Savior? We must be content to let the words of Jesus stand as spoken. Human reason must bow and let these words be apprehended by faith. The God who created the universe with His Word has spoken concerning His Supper. This bread is the Body of Christ. This wine is His Blood. Who are we to doubt His words?

Second, what benefit does the Sacrament give? Some say that it is a memorial meal that we eat together out of obedience to our Lord’s command. It serves only to remind us of the suffering and death of Christ. But what does Jesus say? This is my Blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. These words tell us that in the Sacrament we receive forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. When you come to the table to receive Holy Communion, it is not a reenactment of the night of the betrayal. It is no mere historical remembrance. Christ Himself is placing the Bread of Immortality into your mouth. He is delivering the forgiveness He purchased on Good Friday directly to you. When you feels the wine slide down the back of your throat, as Luther says, know that your sins, even at this moment, are being forgiven.

Third, how is the Sacrament worthily received? If you are familiar with St. Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 11, then you will know that the Body and Blood of God is not to be eaten and drunk lightly. For He who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks damnation to himself, not perceiving the Lord’s body(1 Cor 11:29). To receive the Supper worthily does not mean to be free from sin before approaching the altar. Jesus tells us that His Blood is for the forgiveness of sins, and only sinners need forgiveness. What then receives this Sacrament worthily? Informed by the clear words of Scripture, Luther answers, “That person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: ‘Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.’ You are worthy, not when you stop sinning, not when you feel worthy, and not when you understand this mystery, but simply through faith in the words of Jesus. His Body is broken for you, sinner that you are. His Blood is shed to forgive you. Come. Do not doubt, but believe. Eat and drink in faith according to these words and receive exactly what our Lord promises and delivers: the forgiveness of sins. And where there is forgiveness, there is also life and salvation. Amen.