22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” —Mark 14:22-25
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. —Luke 22:14-20
Jesus
“Take; this is my body” (Mark 14:22)
RECENTERED: From
“This is my blood of the covenant” (Mark 14:24); “New Covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:14-20)
RECENTERED: From
15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. —Hebrews 9:15
RECENTERED: From
What is the Lord’s Supper?
εὐχαριστήσας – eucharistēsas (Eucharist)
“And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said…” —Luke 22:14-20
The Seder Meal would have been a joyful time of thanksgiving for the Jew (Much like Christmas to the Christians). It was fun for the children and it carried much significance to them.
“COMMUNION” (COMMUNITY, COMMUNICATION)
Latin: COM (together) Unus (Oneness, Union)
16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. —1 Corinthians 10:16-17
The Lord’s Supper is a
How often should we take the Lord’s Supper
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also he took the cup, 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. —1 Corinthians 11:23-26
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. —Acts 2:42
In the early church centuries, the frequency of observance was varied, and it was not considered a point of contention. The important teaching from Scripture was, “As often as” and in the early years complied with “daily”. Historically the frequency was not a test of faith or fellowship. MUCH LATER in church history a specific time was ordained by various groups as “the time” to observe the Lord’s Supper… Initiating more ritualistic and religious components around it and preferences and perceptions were made precepts, tests of faith, and conditions of fellowship - even salvation.
How should we take communion?
27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come. —1 Corinthians 11:27-34
The Table is…
A Gathering Place for Believers
Unifying (GOSPEL)
Sharing
Inclusive (Rank, Satus, Gender, Finances)
A Mirror (Attitude, Perspective and Behavior is exposed)
The Lord’s Supper is an opportunity to:
Look Back at the cross
Look around at the Church
Look forward in hope
Look up in Thankfulness
Look inward at self
Takeaway: