Celebrating Christ's Sacrifice: The Meaning of the Lord's Supper
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we celebrate the Lord's Supper, a profound commemoration of Christ's sacrifice for us. The bread symbolizes His body, broken for us, and the wine represents His blood, poured out for the remission of our sins. This sacred act is a testament to the glory of the gospel. In Luke 22:14-20, we see Jesus fervently desiring to share the Passover with His disciples, knowing it was a prelude to His crucifixion. This intense desire underscores His mission to save humanity, a mission He understood even as a child (Luke 2) and demonstrated throughout His ministry (John 2, Luke 12, Luke 19).
Christ's fervent desire to lay down His life for us is evident in His actions and words. He was consumed with zeal for God's house and distressed until His mission was accomplished. His agony in Gethsemane and His cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), highlight the depth of His suffering and commitment to our salvation.
The Lord's Supper also testifies to the fulfillment of all things in Christ. He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, feasts, and offices. The Passover, instituted in Exodus 12, finds its ultimate meaning in Christ, our Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice delivers us from sin and death. Jesus' institution of the new covenant during the Last Supper signifies the transition from the old to the new, where His body and blood become the new symbols of our salvation.
Furthermore, the Lord's Supper emphasizes the fellowship Christ desires with His people. He served His disciples by washing their feet, instructed them on how to live fruitful lives, and prayed for them. This fellowship extends to us today, as we come to His table to be ministered to by Him.
Finally, the Lord's Supper testifies to the foreordained suffering of Christ. He repeatedly told His disciples about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, fulfilling the prophecies and becoming the Savior of the world. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we proclaim His death until He comes again, bearing witness to His sacrifice and the salvation it brings.
### Key Takeaways
1. Christ's Fervent Desire for Us: Jesus fervently desired to share the Passover with His disciples, knowing it was a prelude to His crucifixion. This intense longing underscores His mission to save humanity, a mission He understood even as a child and demonstrated throughout His ministry. His zeal for God's house and His distress until His mission was accomplished highlight the depth of His commitment to our salvation. [03:50]
2. Fulfillment of the Old Testament: Christ is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies, feasts, and offices. The Passover, instituted in Exodus 12, finds its ultimate meaning in Christ, our Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice delivers us from sin and death. Jesus' institution of the new covenant during the Last Supper signifies the transition from the old to the new, where His body and blood become the new symbols of our salvation. [11:58]
3. Fellowship with Christ: The Lord's Supper emphasizes the fellowship Christ desires with His people. He served His disciples by washing their feet, instructed them on how to live fruitful lives, and prayed for them. This fellowship extends to us today, as we come to His table to be ministered to by Him. Christ's desire for fellowship with us is a testament to His love and commitment to our spiritual growth and well-being. [29:39]
4. Foreordained Suffering of Christ: The Lord's Supper testifies to the foreordained suffering of Christ. He repeatedly told His disciples about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, fulfilling the prophecies and becoming the Savior of the world. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we proclaim His death until He comes again, bearing witness to His sacrifice and the salvation it brings. [34:54]
5. Proclaiming the Gospel: When we partake of the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. This act is a testimony to Christ's sacrifice and a call to be His witnesses, sharing the message of His death, burial, and resurrection with the world. Our lives should reflect the continuous feast on Christ, our Passover, always mindful of His sacrifice, grace, and deliverance. [39:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Introduction to the Lord's Supper
[02:03] - Reading from Luke 22:14-20
[03:03] - Christ's Fervent Desire
[03:50] - Christ's Mission and Ministry
[04:42] - Christ's Early Understanding of His Mission
[05:36] - Christ's Zeal for God's House
[06:30] - Christ's Passion and Distress
[07:28] - Christ's Agony in Gethsemane
[08:24] - Christ's Cry on the Cross
[09:17] - Christ's Final Words
[10:08] - The Great Exchange
[10:58] - Fulfillment of All Things in Christ
[11:58] - Christ as the Fulfillment of the Passover
[14:16] - The Significance of the Passover
[19:43] - Christ as Our Sacrifice
[20:24] - Christ as Our Deliverance
[21:10] - Christ's Fulfillment of the Old Testament
[22:12] - Christ's Authority to Institute the New Covenant
[23:13] - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood
[24:07] - The Future Fulfillment in Revelation
[25:18] - Instituting the New Commemoration
[26:29] - Christ as Our Passover in 1 Corinthians
[27:10] - Living a Life of Continuous Feast on Christ
[29:08] - Fellowship with Christ
[30:10] - Christ's Service and Instruction
[32:09] - Christ's Prayer for His Disciples
[34:54] - Foreordained Suffering of Christ
[39:08] - Proclaiming the Gospel
[40:48] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 22:14-20 - "When the hour had come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. Then he said to them, 'With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.' Then he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, 'Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.' And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.'"
2. Exodus 12:12-14 - "For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance."
3. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 - "Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."
### Observation Questions
1. What does the bread and wine symbolize in the Lord's Supper according to the sermon? [00:55]
2. How does Jesus express His desire to share the Passover with His disciples in Luke 22:14-20? [02:03]
3. What Old Testament event does the Passover commemorate, and how is it fulfilled in Christ? [14:16]
4. According to 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, what does Paul mean by "Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us"?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Jesus' fervent desire to share the Passover with His disciples significant in understanding His mission? [03:50]
2. How does the institution of the new covenant during the Last Supper signify a transition from the old to the new? [25:18]
3. In what ways does the Lord's Supper emphasize the fellowship Christ desires with His people? [29:39]
4. How does the foreordained suffering of Christ, as mentioned in the sermon, fulfill Old Testament prophecies? [34:54]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Jesus' fervent desire to share the Passover with His disciples. How does this impact your understanding of His love and commitment to you personally? [03:50]
2. The Lord's Supper signifies the transition from the old covenant to the new. How can you live out the new covenant in your daily life, being mindful of Christ's sacrifice? [25:18]
3. Christ desires fellowship with His people. What practical steps can you take to deepen your fellowship with Christ this week? [29:39]
4. The sermon mentioned Christ's agony in Gethsemane and His cry on the cross. How can you find comfort and strength in knowing the depth of Christ's suffering for your salvation? [09:17]
5. When you partake in the Lord's Supper, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. How can you be a more effective witness of Christ's sacrifice in your community? [39:08]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of living a life of continuous feast on Christ. What specific actions can you take to keep Christ's sacrifice and grace at the forefront of your mind daily? [27:44]
7. How can you apply the lessons from the Passover and the Lord's Supper to your personal spiritual growth and your interactions with others? [14:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Fervent Desire for Our Salvation
Jesus fervently desired to share the Passover with His disciples, knowing it was a prelude to His crucifixion. This intense longing underscores His mission to save humanity, a mission He understood even as a child and demonstrated throughout His ministry. His zeal for God's house and His distress until His mission was accomplished highlight the depth of His commitment to our salvation. Jesus' actions and words throughout His life reveal a profound dedication to fulfilling God's plan for our redemption. His agony in Gethsemane and His cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), further illustrate the depth of His suffering and His unwavering commitment to our salvation. [03:50]
Luke 22:14-16 (ESV): "And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, 'I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt a deep longing or desire for something important. How does understanding Jesus' fervent desire for our salvation change the way you view His sacrifice? How can you respond to His commitment in your daily life?
Day 2: Fulfillment of the Old Testament in Christ
Christ is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies, feasts, and offices. The Passover, instituted in Exodus 12, finds its ultimate meaning in Christ, our Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice delivers us from sin and death. Jesus' institution of the new covenant during the Last Supper signifies the transition from the old to the new, where His body and blood become the new symbols of our salvation. This fulfillment is not just a historical fact but a living reality that impacts our faith and practice today. By understanding Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, we see the continuity of God's plan and the depth of His love for humanity. [11:58]
Hebrews 10:1 (ESV): "For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near."
Reflection: Reflect on how the Old Testament prophecies and feasts point to Christ. How does this understanding deepen your appreciation for the Lord's Supper? What specific steps can you take to live out this fulfillment in your daily walk with God?
Day 3: Fellowship with Christ Through the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper emphasizes the fellowship Christ desires with His people. He served His disciples by washing their feet, instructed them on how to live fruitful lives, and prayed for them. This fellowship extends to us today, as we come to His table to be ministered to by Him. Christ's desire for fellowship with us is a testament to His love and commitment to our spiritual growth and well-being. By participating in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of His ongoing presence and care in our lives. [29:39]
John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Reflection: Consider the ways in which you experience fellowship with Christ. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of His presence in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to serve others as Christ served His disciples?
Day 4: The Foreordained Suffering of Christ
The Lord's Supper testifies to the foreordained suffering of Christ. He repeatedly told His disciples about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, fulfilling the prophecies and becoming the Savior of the world. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we proclaim His death until He comes again, bearing witness to His sacrifice and the salvation it brings. This foreordained suffering was not a random event but a crucial part of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His love and justice. [34:54]
Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Christ's foreordained suffering. How does this understanding impact your view of God's plan for salvation? In what ways can you bear witness to Christ's sacrifice in your daily interactions with others?
Day 5: Proclaiming the Gospel Through the Lord's Supper
When we partake of the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. This act is a testimony to Christ's sacrifice and a call to be His witnesses, sharing the message of His death, burial, and resurrection with the world. Our lives should reflect the continuous feast on Christ, our Passover, always mindful of His sacrifice, grace, and deliverance. By proclaiming the gospel through the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of our mission to share the good news with others and live out our faith authentically. [39:08]
1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: Think about how you can proclaim the gospel in your daily life. What specific actions can you take to share the message of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection with those around you? How can the Lord's Supper inspire you to live out your faith more boldly?
Quotes
1. "The whole point of the Lord's Supper is to testify of the sacrifice that Christ Jesus made on our behalf. The body, of course, of Christ is symbolized in the bread. Christ, he took on human flesh. He left heaven, the perfect son of God, never sinned, perfectly obeyed the Father for us in our place to be our sacrifice. And his body was broken for us. It was pierced for us. The wine celebrates, of course, the blood of Christ that was poured out on our behalf." [00:55] (30 seconds)
2. "The reason he came into this world was to save mankind. John chapter 2, which is also the very beginning of Christ's ministry as an adult, when he begins his ministry in John chapter 2, we find that he cleanses the temple. He goes into the temple, and guess what? It's the Passover again. And there are money changers inside the temple. And they're turning. They're turning what should have been a house of prayer for all nations into a den of thieves." [05:36] (29 seconds)
3. "Christ was so full of zeal. So full. Full of passion for the reason why he came into this world. And that's to be the Savior of men. And how dare people go into his temple and turn it into a den of commerce, right? Because that was a heartbeat of Christ. He fervently desired to lay his life down for us. In Luke chapter 12, verse 50, Jesus says to his disciples, I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished." [06:30] (31 seconds)
4. "Christ came into this world for one reason. And that's to die for you. He fervently desires you. That was the compelling conviction of his entire life. And the same Christ who laid down his life for you, is here today saying, come to me. Come to me, all you labor and are heavy laden. I will give you rest. He will take your sin. He'll take your shame. And he erases it because he paid your debt on the cross. And he'll give you his life." [10:58] (40 seconds)
5. "Christ is the fulfillment of all things in the Old Testament. And let's look specifically how he's the fulfillment of the Passover. Hold your place in Luke 22. And I want you to look at Luke 22. And I want you to turn back to the Old Testament to Exodus chapter 12. Exodus chapter 12. In Exodus chapter 12, we find that Israel, as a nation, is in bondage. They're captive to Egypt. They've been made slaves there." [14:16] (39 seconds)
6. "Christ is our deliverance. Because he didn't just forgive us of our sins, but he brought us into a new wide place where our feet cannot slip. Our feet are planted on the rock, in the land of promise, for in him we live and move and have our being. We have liberty and new life in Christ Jesus, right? Christ is the fulfillment of the Passover." [20:24] (27 seconds)
7. "Christ desires fellowship with his people. Here, it was about to be the darkest hour of Christ's life, right? He was about to be in the garden where he would be praying in Gethsemane, and we just read that passage how he would be sweating as if it was drops of blood. In agony, He'd be on the cross, and He wanted to be with His disciples. He wanted to spend this last time with them." [30:10] (25 seconds)
8. "When we come to the Lord's Supper, it's a chance to commune with the One who knows your prayers before it even leaves your lips. It's the One who is now at the right hand of God Almighty. Interceding for your behalf. It's the One who intercedes in your heart through the Holy Spirit. And when we come to the Lord's table, that's part of that fellowship is to receive instruction, to be served by our Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection." [34:08] (35 seconds)
9. "When you partake of the Lord's Supper according to the book of 1 Corinthians it says that as often as we eat and drink this cup we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. That's part of what we do when we partake of the gospel. We're saying that Christ Jesus is the Savior of the world and He has saved me. His body was broken for me. His blood was poured out for me and I receive Christ and He lives in me now." [39:08] (31 seconds)
10. "Let's proclaim the death, the burial and the resurrection every day of our lives. Let's bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the witness Lord God of Your table. Lord, it witnesses Lord, to the fervency of Christ for His people. It witnesses to the fulfillment of Christ of all things for His people. It witnesses Lord, to the fellowship of Christ how He desires to have fellowship with us and that in taking of the Lord's Supper we can be served by Christ." [40:33] (39 seconds)