Celebrating the Living Christ Through the Lord's Supper

 

Summary

(Taking time to reflect on the reason for Communion is important.  Perhaps your group would benefit from hosting it for this study.)

The Lord’s Supper is a sacred gift from Christ, woven into the very heart of the gospel. It is not merely a tradition or a religious ritual, but a living act of worship that calls us to pause, remember, and renew our commitment to Jesus. As we gather around the table, we are invited to recall the depth of Christ’s sacrifice—God taking on flesh, willingly laying down His life, and shedding His blood for our forgiveness. This act is central to our faith, not as a memorial to a Savior who remains in the grave, but as a celebration of the living Christ who conquered death and is present with us.

Jesus eagerly desired to share this meal with His disciples, knowing it would mark the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. The Lord’s Supper is a time to remember not only the suffering and sacrifice of Christ, but also the victory and hope that His resurrection brings. Each time we partake, we are reminded that our faith is rooted in a living relationship with a risen Savior, and that our unity as a church is grounded in this shared experience.

Communion is also a moment to strengthen our commitment to the gospel and to one another. It is a visible sign of our unity in Christ, transcending our differences and binding us together as one body. Around this table, we are reminded that we are saved by the same Savior, forgiven by the same blood, and called to the same hope. The Lord’s Supper points us forward, too, as a foreshadowing of the day when we will share this meal with Christ in His kingdom. It is a celebration of victory, a reminder of our belonging, and a call to examine our hearts, renew our devotion, and proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again.

Key Takeaways

- The Lord’s Supper is a living act of remembrance, not a mere memorial. It is a time to recall the full weight of Christ’s sacrifice—His willingness to take on flesh, endure betrayal, and lay down His life for our sins. This remembrance is not about mourning a loss, but about celebrating the victory and ongoing presence of our risen Savior. [07:26]

- Jesus eagerly anticipated the moment of the Last Supper, knowing it would inaugurate the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. His desire to share this meal reveals the depth of His love and the intentionality of His sacrifice. We are called to approach the table with the same eagerness, recognizing the privilege and purpose of participating in this sacred act. [04:52]

- Communion is a powerful expression of unity within the body of Christ. As we partake together, we set aside our differences and remember that we are bound by the same gospel, saved by the same Savior, and called to the same hope. This unity is not just symbolic, but a lived reality that should shape our relationships and witness to the world. [10:06]

- The Lord’s Supper is a forward-looking celebration, reminding us of Christ’s promise to return. Each time we partake, we proclaim His death and anticipate the day when we will share this meal with Him in His kingdom. This hope infuses our present with purpose and joy, anchoring us in the assurance of God’s ultimate victory. [12:20]

- Participation in the Lord’s Supper calls for self-examination and renewed commitment. Just as a wedding ring reminds us daily of our vows and belonging, so communion reminds us to whom we belong and the love that compels us. It is a time to seek forgiveness, renew our devotion, and remember that our lives are anchored in Christ’s sacrifice and love. [15:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - The Sacredness of the Lord’s Supper
[02:57] - Jesus Institutes the Supper
[04:52] - Christ’s Eagerness and the Meaning of the Moment
[06:23] - Not a Memorial, But a Celebration
[07:26] - Remembering the Sacrifice
[09:02] - Communion and Commitment to the Gospel
[10:06] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[11:05] - The Supper as a Foreshadowing of Christ’s Return
[12:20] - A Celebration of Victory and Promise
[13:37] - The Wedding Ring Analogy
[14:29] - Communion as a Reminder of Belonging
[15:13] - Renewing Our Commitment
[16:18] - Paul’s Instructions on Self-Examination
[16:58] - Prayer of Preparation
[18:29] - Closing and Transition to Communion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Lord’s Supper – A Living Act of Worship

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### Bible Reading

Luke 22:14-20 (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.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 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.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (ESV)
> 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, 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.” 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.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 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. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Luke 22, what did Jesus say about his desire to share the Passover meal with his disciples? What does this reveal about his attitude toward this moment? ([04:52])
2. In both Luke 22 and 1 Corinthians 11, what are the specific instructions Jesus gives regarding the bread and the cup?
3. What does Paul say is the purpose of eating the bread and drinking the cup in 1 Corinthians 11:26?
4. In the sermon, what analogy does the pastor use to describe the ongoing significance of the Lord’s Supper for believers? ([13:37])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus emphasize remembering his sacrifice, and how is this different from simply mourning his death? ([07:26])
2. The sermon says the Lord’s Supper is not just a memorial but a celebration of a living Savior. How does this change the way Christians should approach communion? ([06:23])
3. Paul instructs believers to examine themselves before participating in the Lord’s Supper. What might self-examination look like in practice, and why is it important? ([16:18])
4. The pastor mentions that communion is a visible sign of unity in the church. How does participating together in the Lord’s Supper help build or express unity among believers? ([10:06])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says Jesus “eagerly desired” to share the meal with his disciples. Do you approach communion with eagerness and expectation, or has it become routine for you? What could help you approach it with a renewed sense of purpose? ([04:52])
2. When you take the Lord’s Supper, do you focus more on Christ’s suffering or on his victory and ongoing presence? How might shifting your focus to celebration and hope affect your worship? ([06:23])
3. The pastor compared communion to a wedding ring—a daily reminder of belonging and commitment. What are some practical ways you can let communion remind you of your relationship with Jesus throughout the week, not just on Sundays? ([13:37])
4. The Lord’s Supper is described as a time to set aside differences and remember our unity in Christ. Is there someone in the church you need to reconcile with or forgive so that you can truly participate in unity? ([10:06])
5. Paul calls for self-examination before taking communion. Is there an area of your life where you need to seek forgiveness or make a change before coming to the table? What step can you take this week to address it? ([16:18])
6. The sermon reminds us that communion points forward to Christ’s return. How does this future hope shape the way you live today? Are there specific ways you can let this hope give you purpose and joy in your daily life? ([12:20])
7. The pastor said, “We do it because it prepares us.” In what ways do you feel the Lord’s Supper prepares you for living out your faith in the world? Is there a specific challenge you’re facing where you need to remember Christ’s sacrifice and victory? ([15:13])

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Devotional

Day 1: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice

The Lord’s Supper is a sacred act given by Christ to help us remember the depth and weight of His sacrifice for us. Each time we take the bread and the cup, we are called to pause and recall that God took on flesh, willingly laid down His life, and shed His blood so that our sins might be forgiven and our relationship with God restored. This is not just a ritual or tradition, but a central act of worship that anchors our faith and identity as followers of Jesus. As we gather around the table, we are invited to reflect on the love that moved Christ to the cross and the cost He bore for our redemption. [02:57]

Luke 22:14-20 (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.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 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.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Reflection: What specific aspect of Christ’s sacrifice do you most need to remember and give thanks for today?


Day 2: Communion Unites Us as One Body

Communion is not only a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, but also a powerful expression of our unity in Him. As we share the bread and the cup, we are reminded that we are one body, bound together by the same Savior, forgiven by the same blood, and called to the same hope. Differences and disagreements fade away at the Lord’s table, where we are united in our common faith and purpose. This act of communion strengthens our commitment to Christ and to one another, showing the world the love and unity that comes from being part of God’s family. [10:06]

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

Reflection: Is there someone in your church family with whom you need to seek unity or reconciliation?


Day 3: Proclaiming Christ’s Death Until He Comes

Each time we participate in the Lord’s Supper, we are not only looking back to Christ’s sacrifice, but also looking forward to His promised return. Communion is a proclamation of the Lord’s death until He comes again, a celebration of the victory He has won and the hope we have in His coming kingdom. This sacred meal foreshadows the day when we will share the table with Jesus Himself, rejoicing in the fulfillment of all His promises. As we eat and drink, we are reminded to live in anticipation, preparing our hearts for the day when faith becomes sight. [12:20]

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
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, 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.” 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.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Reflection: How does the promise of Christ’s return shape the way you approach your faith today?


Day 4: Communion Is a Celebration, Not a Solemn Memorial

The Lord’s Supper is not meant to be a somber memorial, but a joyful celebration of Christ’s victory and the new life we have in Him. Just as a wedding ring is a daily reminder of love and commitment, communion is a living reminder of to whom we belong and the love that binds us to Christ. We do not worship a Savior who remains in the grave, but one who is alive and reigning. Each time we take communion, we celebrate the resurrection, the forgiveness of sins, and the hope that is ours in Jesus. [07:26]

Romans 6:9-11 (ESV)
We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What steps do you take daily to remind yourself of what God has done for you in Christ?  Are there any you think you should start doing? Consider how reminding yourself each day of your fellowship with God in Christ might affect you.


Day 5: Examine Yourself and Renew Your Commitment

Before taking the Lord’s Supper, we are called to examine ourselves, recognizing the body and blood of the Lord and renewing our commitment to Him. This is a time to reflect on our relationship with Christ, confess our sins, and remember to whom we belong. Communion is a gift that strengthens us, prepares us, and reminds us of our calling to love and serve Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. As we participate, let us do so with reverence, humility, and a renewed dedication to follow Christ faithfully.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to renew your commitment to Christ today?

Quotes