Remembering Christ: The Significance of the Lord's Supper
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflect on the significance of memorials, particularly the Lord's Supper, as a profound reminder of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Memorials serve to preserve the memory of significant events or individuals, much like the Lincoln Memorial or the Vietnam Memorial. In the Christian faith, symbols such as the cross, the fish, and the dove hold deep meaning, reminding us of our beliefs and the history of our faith. The Lord's Supper, in particular, is a memorial that calls us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His body and blood for our salvation.
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11, provides guidance on the proper observance of the Lord's Supper, urging believers to remember Jesus' selflessness and sacrifice. This remembrance is not just a ritual but a call to reflect on the profound love and grace that Jesus extended to us. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the physical and spiritual suffering Jesus endured, symbolized by the bread and the cup, representing His body and blood.
Furthermore, the Lord's Supper is an opportunity for self-examination and repentance. Paul emphasizes the importance of examining ourselves before partaking in the elements, recognizing our own sinfulness and need for God's grace. This introspection helps us to acknowledge our dependence on Christ's sacrifice and the forgiveness it brings.
Finally, the Lord's Supper is a prophetic celebration, reminding us of Jesus' promise to return. As we proclaim the Lord's death, we also affirm our hope in His second coming. This anticipation of Christ's return is a source of joy and encouragement, reminding us that our faith is not in vain and that we have a glorious future with Him.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Memorials: Memorials, like the Lord's Supper, serve as powerful reminders of significant events and sacrifices. They help us remember and honor the past, keeping the memory of Jesus' sacrifice alive in our hearts. [00:37]
- Selflessness of Christ: The Lord's Supper calls us to remember Jesus' selflessness and sacrifice. It challenges us to reflect on His love and grace, which were demonstrated through His willingness to give His life for our salvation. [07:50]
- Self-Examination and Repentance: Participating in the Lord's Supper is an opportunity for self-examination and repentance. It encourages us to look within, recognize our sinfulness, and seek God's forgiveness, acknowledging our dependence on His grace. [14:10]
- The Significance of the Blood: The shedding of Jesus' blood is central to our forgiveness and redemption. It is a profound mystery that underscores the depth of God's love and the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. [10:09]
- Hope in Christ's Return: The Lord's Supper is not only a memorial but also a prophetic celebration of Jesus' promised return. It reminds us of our hope in His second coming and the eternal life we will share with Him. [18:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - Introduction to Memorials
- [00:37] - Cultural and Historical Memorials
- [01:19] - Symbols and Their Meanings
- [02:13] - Biblical Memorials
- [03:27] - The Lord's Supper as a Memorial
- [04:26] - The Oldest Record of the Lord's Supper
- [05:21] - Paul's Instructions to the Corinthians
- [06:12] - The Significance of the Bread and Cup
- [07:31] - Remembering Christ's Sacrifice
- [09:01] - The Symbolism of the Passover Lamb
- [10:09] - The Necessity of Christ's Blood
- [11:08] - A Story of Sacrificial Love
- [13:38] - The Gravity of Our Condition
- [14:10] - Self-Examination and Repentance
- [18:33] - Looking Ahead to Christ's Return
- [21:00] - Invitation to Faith and Baptism
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Significance of the Lord's Supper
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 11:17-29
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some examples of memorials mentioned in the sermon, and how do they serve as reminders of significant events or individuals? [00:37]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 11, what issues did Paul address regarding the Corinthians' observance of the Lord's Supper? [05:21]
3. How does the sermon describe the symbolism of the bread and the cup in the Lord's Supper? [06:12]
4. What does the sermon say about the necessity of Jesus' blood for our forgiveness? [10:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Lord's Supper serve as a reminder of Jesus' selflessness and sacrifice, and why is this important for believers today? [07:50]
2. In what ways does self-examination before partaking in the Lord's Supper help believers recognize their dependence on God's grace? [14:10]
3. How does the anticipation of Christ's return during the Lord's Supper provide hope and encouragement to believers? [18:33]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of participating in the Lord's Supper in a worthy manner, and how can this be applied in a modern church setting? [17:29]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when a memorial or symbol had a profound impact on you. How can you use that experience to deepen your understanding of the Lord's Supper? [00:37]
2. How can you cultivate a spirit of selflessness in your daily life, inspired by Jesus' sacrifice, as remembered in the Lord's Supper? [07:50]
3. Before participating in the Lord's Supper, what specific steps can you take to examine your heart and seek repentance for any known sins? [14:10]
4. How can the anticipation of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [18:33]
5. Consider the significance of Jesus' blood in your personal journey of faith. How does this understanding affect your view of forgiveness and redemption? [10:09]
6. What practical ways can you ensure that your participation in the Lord's Supper is meaningful and reverent, avoiding the pitfalls mentioned by Paul? [17:29]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to rely more on God's grace. How can the practice of the Lord's Supper remind you of this need? [16:58]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Memorials
Memorials serve as powerful reminders of significant events and sacrifices, helping us to remember and honor the past. In the Christian faith, the Lord's Supper is a profound memorial that calls us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as cultural and historical memorials like the Lincoln Memorial or the Vietnam Memorial preserve the memory of important events and individuals, the Lord's Supper keeps the memory of Jesus' sacrifice alive in our hearts. It is not merely a ritual but a sacred act of remembrance that connects us to the profound love and grace that Jesus extended to us. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the physical and spiritual suffering Jesus endured, symbolized by the bread and the cup, representing His body and blood. [00:37]
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, 'Till now the Lord has helped us.'" (1 Samuel 7:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can create a personal memorial to remember God's faithfulness in your life today?
Day 2: Selflessness of Christ
The Lord's Supper calls us to remember Jesus' selflessness and sacrifice, challenging us to reflect on His love and grace. Jesus willingly gave His life for our salvation, demonstrating the ultimate act of selflessness. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the depth of His love and the grace that He extended to us through His sacrifice. This remembrance is not just a ritual but a call to reflect on the profound love and grace that Jesus extended to us. It challenges us to live lives marked by selflessness and love, following the example of Christ. [07:50]
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you demonstrate selflessness and love to those around you today, following the example of Christ?
Day 3: Self-Examination and Repentance
Participating in the Lord's Supper is an opportunity for self-examination and repentance. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of examining ourselves before partaking in the elements, recognizing our own sinfulness and need for God's grace. This introspection helps us to acknowledge our dependence on Christ's sacrifice and the forgiveness it brings. As we reflect on our lives, we are encouraged to look within, recognize our sinfulness, and seek God's forgiveness, acknowledging our dependence on His grace. This process of self-examination and repentance is essential for our spiritual growth and renewal. [14:10]
"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!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and grace today? How can you begin to address this area through prayer and reflection?
Day 4: The Significance of the Blood
The shedding of Jesus' blood is central to our forgiveness and redemption. It is a profound mystery that underscores the depth of God's love and the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. The blood of Jesus, symbolized by the cup in the Lord's Supper, represents the new covenant between God and humanity. It is through His blood that we are forgiven and redeemed, and it is a reminder of the immense love and grace that God has extended to us. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the significance of the blood and the profound impact it has on our lives. [10:09]
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus' blood and its significance impact your view of forgiveness and redemption in your life today?
Day 5: Hope in Christ's Return
The Lord's Supper is not only a memorial but also a prophetic celebration of Jesus' promised return. As we proclaim the Lord's death, we also affirm our hope in His second coming. This anticipation of Christ's return is a source of joy and encouragement, reminding us that our faith is not in vain and that we have a glorious future with Him. The Lord's Supper serves as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ's return and the eternal life we will share with Him. It encourages us to live with a sense of anticipation and readiness, knowing that our faith will be fulfilled in His return. [18:33]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: How can you live with a sense of anticipation and readiness for Christ's return in your daily life? What changes might you need to make to align your life with this hope?
Quotes
Memorials are anything intended to preserve or honor the memory of a person or event. They remind us of something or call something to mind. They are an important part of our culture. We have historical reminders, for example, like the Lincoln Memorial to remember our 16th president, the Vietnam Memorial to remember those killed in the Vietnam War. [00:00:37]
The Lord's Supper is a memorial to our Lord Jesus Christ. It's the symbols that spur us to recall the sacrifice that he made for us, the giving of his body and his blood. The Lord's Supper is a wonderful Memorial in many ways, but not least because it is accessible. Anyone who is a follower of Christ can participate. [00:03:27]
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: the Lord Jesus, on the night 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, after supper, he took the cup. [00:06:12]
Remember how Jesus gave himself for us. His body was given for us. We learn in the New Testament that none of his bones were broken. The evangelist John, the Apostle John, sees that as a fulfillment of the scripture. To hasten their deaths, the other two who were crucified alongside Jesus had their legs broken. [00:08:34]
His blood was shed for us. It was necessary for our forgiveness. Now, I can't pretend to understand all of the theological intricacies of how that works, but we know from the scripture, the Bible tells us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. In Hebrews chapter 9, it says in Ephesians chapter 1. [00:10:09]
Each of us has a condition far more grave and far more serious than that of Francisco Fernandez, and the only blood that can save us, according to the scripture, is the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, shed for us on our behalf. But it required Jesus not just to give his blood but also his life. [00:13:38]
We should look back and remember his sacrifice as we come to the table of this Memorial. But not only that, we should be prompted as well to look within ourselves and repent of the sin that we find there. In verse 28, the Apostle Paul writes about coming to the table. [00:14:10]
A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. We are to examine ourselves. It's not a time to examine others, something that we too frequently are tempted to do, aren't we? It's a time to examine ourselves, to look into our own hearts, to let the spirit of God reveal to us our own sins. [00:14:24]
Remember the disciples on the night Jesus instituted this Memorial and the night he was betrayed. He told them, "One of you will betray me," and each of them began to ask, "Lord, is it I? Am I the one? Please tell me it's not me." And why would they ask such questions? [00:15:29]
We are still pilgrims on the pathway. We still have a lot of growing and maturing to do, and we are wise to recognize that as we examine ourselves. Not only do we see our sin, but we are encouraged to repent by that growing awareness. Self-examination highlights our utter dependence on God's grace. [00:16:07]
Jesus says that this observance is a reminder as we wait for something yet. And so Paul points out in verse 26, "As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." Until he comes, important words to remember that Jesus is returning. [00:18:33]
Every time we participate in the Lord's Supper, we proclaim to the world our hope in Christ's return and our faith that he will return just as he promised. Christ is coming back, and this helps us remember that. The Reverend Bob Russell, a former pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, tells about a family. [00:19:23]
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