Can you explain the Lord's supper?
Introduction. The memorial in celebration of Jesus which constitutes the hub of public worship on the Lord's day is designated by such terms as "communion," "Lord's Supper," "breaking of bread, " "Lord's table," and "eucharist" (1 Cor. 10: 16, 17, 21; 11: 20; Acts 2: 42; Matt. 26: 27). Indeed, it is a memorial, "...this do in remembrance of Me," said Jesus (1 Cor. 11: 24).
The institution of the Lord's Supper. Jesus Himself instituted this memorial on His last passover, the day of His betrayal (Matt. 26: 26-30; Mk. 14: 22-26: Luke 22: 14-20). Jesus used the elements of the passover, unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, but gave them new meaning. The unleavened bread became emblematic of Jesus' body and the fruit of the vine of Jesus' blood (Matt. 26: 26-29).
The Lord's Supper as a proclamation. When Christians partake of the Lord's Supper they proclaim Jesus - He lived, vicariously died, and He is coming again (1 Cor. 11: 24, 26). The breaking of bread is also a proclamation of the establishment of the kingdom and of the New Testament (Luke 22: 29, 30; Matt. 26: 28; Heb. 9).
Manner of observance. The Lord's Supper is to be partaken of in the kingdom by born again people on the first day of the week (Luke 22: 29, 30: Acts 20: 7). As stated, the communion is a remembrance of Jesus (Luke 22: 19). Christians are to examine themselves to determine if they are partaking in the right way (1 Cor. 11: 28). There is an element of anticipation in partaking: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come" (1 Cor. 11: 26).
Conclusion. There have been numerous memorials instituted by God. There was the rainbow (Gen. 9), the Jewish passover (Ex. 12), and the manna from heaven (Ex. 16). All of these "had" special importance. However, the Lord's Supper surpasses all memorials in its significance and implications!
The institution of the Lord's Supper. Jesus Himself instituted this memorial on His last passover, the day of His betrayal (Matt. 26: 26-30; Mk. 14: 22-26: Luke 22: 14-20). Jesus used the elements of the passover, unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, but gave them new meaning. The unleavened bread became emblematic of Jesus' body and the fruit of the vine of Jesus' blood (Matt. 26: 26-29).
The Lord's Supper as a proclamation. When Christians partake of the Lord's Supper they proclaim Jesus - He lived, vicariously died, and He is coming again (1 Cor. 11: 24, 26). The breaking of bread is also a proclamation of the establishment of the kingdom and of the New Testament (Luke 22: 29, 30; Matt. 26: 28; Heb. 9).
Manner of observance. The Lord's Supper is to be partaken of in the kingdom by born again people on the first day of the week (Luke 22: 29, 30: Acts 20: 7). As stated, the communion is a remembrance of Jesus (Luke 22: 19). Christians are to examine themselves to determine if they are partaking in the right way (1 Cor. 11: 28). There is an element of anticipation in partaking: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come" (1 Cor. 11: 26).
Conclusion. There have been numerous memorials instituted by God. There was the rainbow (Gen. 9), the Jewish passover (Ex. 12), and the manna from heaven (Ex. 16). All of these "had" special importance. However, the Lord's Supper surpasses all memorials in its significance and implications!