The Christian and the Lord’s Supper Lesson 17

Matthew 26:17-28 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

What is the Lord’s Supper? When it was instituted by Jesus: The night he was betrayed, during the Passover. Last Supper Maundy Thursday

What is the Lord’s Supper? When it was instituted by Jesus: The night he was betrayed, during the Passover. The visible elements: unleavened bread and wine

1 Cor. 10:16 1 Cor. 11:27 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.

What is the Lord’s Supper? When it was instituted by Jesus: The night he was betrayed, during the Passover. The visible elements: unleavened bread and wine Together with these visible elements Jesus gives us His body and blood. These elements are “in communion” with each other.

Body and Blood “in, with and under” bread and wine Real Presence Transub-stantiation Represen-tation Elements Present Body and Blood “in, with and under” bread and wine Bread and Wine changed into body and blood Bread and wine represents body and blood Elements Received Bread and wine, Body and Blood Body and Blood Bread and wine Value Forgiveness of sins, life and salvation Unbloody sacrifice to God for sins of living and dead A memorial feast

1 Corinthians 11:25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."

Why did Jesus give the Lord’s Supper? So that we would remember his death and its meaning for us.

Matthew 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Why did Jesus give the Lord’s Supper? So that we would remember his death and its meaning for us. To assure us of his covenant (promise) of personal forgiveness.

Matthew 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

1 Cor. 11:24 1 Cor. 11:28 … 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." A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.

Who should receive the Lord’s Supper? Repentant believers who are: Able to remember the Lord’s death Able to examine themselves United in Christian faith

2. Questions for self-examination: Am I sorry for my sins?

2. Questions for self-examination: Do I trust in Jesus as my Savior?

2. Questions for self-examination: Do I believe that his body and blood are truly present for my forgiveness?

2. Questions for self-examination: Do I intend, with God's help, to change my sinful life?

Matthew 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

3. Who should not receive the Lord’s Supper? Those who … Are not Christians

1 Corinthians 11:23a For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you …

3. Who should not receive the Lord’s Supper? Those who … Are not Christians Haven’t been instructed to know what it is

1 Corinthians 11:28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.

3. Who should not receive the Lord’s Supper? Those who … Are not Christians Haven’t been instructed to know what it is Are unable to examine themselves

1 Corinthians 10:17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

3. Who should not receive the Lord’s Supper? Those who … Are not Christians Haven’t been instructed to know what it is Are unable to examine themselves Are not united in faith or knowingly reject some of the Bible

What is close communion? Communion together of those who share a common faith

Two fellowships in Lord’s Supper: VERTICAL: Us with Jesus

Two fellowships in Lord’s Supper: HORIZONTAL: Us with fellow Christians

What is confirmation? A ceremony in which an individual publicly confesses faith in Jesus and unity in faith with the Christian congregation.

Our confession of faith in confirmation shows we are ready for the Lord's Supper

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper Is it proper to use grape juice instead of grape wine, or bread with yeast instead of unleavened? We could, but Jesus used wine and unleavened bread. Why change?

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper Some churches use a large common cup for the Lord’s Supper and others use individual cups. Is one better than the other? No!

Hebrews 7:27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

Hebrews 10:11-14 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper Why is it wrong to speak of the Lord’s Supper as a sacrifice instead of a sacrament? Jesus needed to be sacrificed only once. This is God’s work for us, not our work for him.

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper Some people bow before the bread and worship it after it has been consecrated (set apart) for the sacrament. Why shouldn’t I do this? Jesus said, “Take, eat.” He didn’t say “worship” it.

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper Who may distribute the Lord’s Supper in a church service? Any Christian may do this when asked to do so by fellow Christians.

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper How often should I receive the Lord’s Supper? Regularly and frequently

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper What should I do before and after receiving the Lord’s Supper? Pray; quietly meditate on God’s promises; sing the hymn.

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper What if I’m sick and can’t come to the Lord’s Supper? Pastor can have private communion with you in your home.

Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper What if I’ve wronged someone and haven’t tried to settle the matter? I will try to get things settled before I receive the Lord’s Supper.

Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Other Questions about the Lord’s Supper If my faith is weak, should I come to the Lord’s Supper? Yes, because God strengthens faith in the Lord’s Supper!