The Lord's Supper

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." - John 6:35

How did it begin?

Exodus 12; John 13:1; Matthew 26:17 and 27-28
It is very significant that our observance of the Lord's Supper traces its origin back to the feast of unleavened bread (or Passover). This was the first of three annual Jewish feasts. It was in remembrance and honor of God's Salvation for His people from the Egyptians; specifically the last plague in which all the first born of the Egyptians were killed but the Israelites were spared through the blood of a Lamb. As Jesus reclined with "those found in Him" (Philippians 3:8-9), to observe the celebration of God's salvation for His people, He said to them, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Jesus was showing them that Salvation from sin and restoration to God comes not from ritual but from His life and blood, soon to be poured out for all mankind. (John 14:6)

Why do we still observe it?

Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Exodus 13:1-8
The Passover Feast was immediately set up by God as a way to pass on from generation to generation the reality of God's Salvation. This spirit is continued in our observance of the Lord's Supper, as we continue to remember and proclaim our Salvation in Christ Jesus. Not only did Jesus instruct his disciples that Passover night around the table, but He also later revealed His heart concerning this matter to the Apostle Paul. Through this, Jesus has shown us the importance of continuing to remember Him as Savior and Lord.

Ritualistic Obedience or Relational Communion?

1 Corinthians 10:16; Matthew 18:20; John 17:20-23
Do we continue to observe the Lord's Supper simply out of blind obedience or could there be more to such a tradition? While obedience to Christ stands as a sufficient motive, there is in fact much more to this tradition. The word Communion, which is another term for the Lord's Supper, comes from the Greek word koinonia, meaning Partnership, Participation, Fellowship. This is a wonderful time of sharing with God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and The Body of Christ - the church. We share in our common bond as the family of God and we share in our nearness to God through Christ.

A Time of Remembrance or Commitment?

Romans 5:8-10; Hebrews 10:19-23; Galatians 2:20
The answer to this question is "Yes". By design this is to be a reverent and joyous remembrance of God's provisionary grace for His creation - that through the death and life of Jesus Christ we are no longer alienated by our sin but can, and must, draw near to the Almighty. This is a time to remember that with Christ's death so too our old lives died, and with His resurrection, He now lives through us. On this occasion, we remind ourselves and each other that our bread comes not from this world but from God. Our provision for this life and all that is to come is found in Christ and Him alone. And, by design, this is to be an honest and solemn time of commitment to always live in this reality.

Who participates?

Exodus 12:43-51; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
As far as the Passover Feast is concerned, specific regulations were given for its observance consisting of two basic themes: only those in covenant with God and all of those in covenant with God. For the considerations toward examining your heart, participating in a worthy manner, and an overarching spirit of servanthood. In a nutshell, all who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior; surrendered to Him as Lord; examined their heart and life; prepared to participate in a worthy manner; and live committed to God's church as a servant are welcomed.

How can we prepare?

Pray (Psalm 139: 23-24)
Talk with your family (Exodus 12:24-28)
Come desiring to be with Christ (Luke 22:15)
Come in remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)
Come in faith (Hebrews 11:6)
Come in thanksgiving (Luke 22:17)
Examine your heart (Psalm 24:3-5)
Foster a spirit of unity (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
Be zealous to know Him (Luke 24:35)
Come seeking life (John 6:35-40)