Remembering Christ: The Timeless Significance of the Lord's Supper

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound connection between the Lord's Supper and the Old Testament Passover, emphasizing its significance across time—past, present, and future. The Lord's Supper, instituted by Jesus on the night before His crucifixion, serves as a sacred memorial that transcends mere ritual. It is a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice, a celebration of His presence, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet to come.

The past dimension of the Lord's Supper is deeply rooted in remembrance. Jesus instructed His disciples to partake in this sacrament in memory of His sacrifice, linking it to the Passover, which commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt. This act of remembrance is not just a nostalgic look back but a sacred tradition that connects us to the pivotal moment of Christ's death on the cross. It is a call to never forget the most significant event in history that secured our salvation.

In the present, the Lord's Supper is a sacred moment where believers gather to experience the presence of Christ. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and communion with God and fellow believers. This sacred time and space are reminiscent of the sacralization of space and time seen throughout Scripture, where God meets His people in significant ways. Just as Moses encountered God at the burning bush, we encounter Christ in the breaking of bread and sharing of the cup.

Looking to the future, the Lord's Supper is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet we will enjoy with Christ in His kingdom. It is a reminder of the hope we have in the promise of eternal life and the joy of being united with our Savior. This forward-looking aspect of the sacrament encourages us to live with anticipation and hope, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed.

In our human experience, we naturally seek to remember significant moments, whether through personal milestones or communal celebrations. The Lord's Supper is a divine institution that fulfills this deep-seated need to remember and celebrate the most important event in history. It is a sacred tradition that unites believers across time and space, reminding us of Christ's love and sacrifice and pointing us toward the glorious future we have in Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The Lord's Supper is a sacred memorial that connects us to the past, reminding us of Christ's sacrifice and the deliverance it secured. It is a call to remember and never forget the pivotal moment of our salvation. [04:09]

- In the present, the Lord's Supper is a sacred encounter with Christ, where we experience His presence and reflect on His love and grace. It is a time of communion with God and fellow believers, reminiscent of sacred encounters throughout Scripture. [06:11]

- The future aspect of the Lord's Supper is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, reminding us of the hope and joy we have in Christ's promise of eternal life. It encourages us to live with anticipation and hope, looking forward to the glory to come. [22:35]

- Human beings have a natural tendency to remember significant moments, and the Lord's Supper fulfills this need by providing a divine institution that celebrates the most important event in history. It unites believers across time and space in a sacred tradition. [14:17]

- The link between apostasy and forgetting highlights the importance of remembrance in the Christian faith. The Lord's Supper serves as a safeguard against forgetting, ensuring that we remain committed to Christ and His sacrifice. [22:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Introduction to the Lord's Supper
- [01:12] - Preparing the Passover
- [01:44] - Jesus' Desire to Share the Passover
- [02:18] - The Words of Institution
- [03:27] - The Lord's Supper and Time
- [04:09] - Remembrance of the Past
- [05:38] - Sacralization of Space and Time
- [06:49] - Marking Sacred Places
- [09:58] - Sacred Time in Festivals
- [11:18] - Scruples Against Celebrations
- [13:09] - Pagan Roots and Christian Celebrations
- [14:17] - The Human Need for Sacred Time
- [15:43] - Christ's Command to Remember
- [18:31] - The Cross as a Universal Sign of Hope
- [22:01] - The Link Between Apostasy and Forgetting

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 22:7-20
- Exodus 12:1-14
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 22:7-20, what instructions did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the preparation of the Passover? How does this relate to the institution of the Lord's Supper? [01:12]

2. How does the sermon describe the connection between the Lord's Supper and the Old Testament Passover? What significance does this connection hold for believers today? [00:32]

3. According to the sermon, what are the three dimensions of time that the Lord's Supper addresses? How is each dimension represented in the practice of the sacrament? [03:27]

4. What examples from the Old Testament were given in the sermon to illustrate the concept of sacralization of space and time? How do these examples enhance our understanding of the Lord's Supper? [05:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the remembrance aspect of the Lord's Supper serve as a safeguard against apostasy, as mentioned in the sermon? What does this imply about the importance of memory in the Christian faith? [22:01]

2. The sermon mentions that the Lord's Supper is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. How does this future aspect of the sacrament influence a believer's perspective on current struggles and sufferings? [22:35]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Lord's Supper is more than just a memorial? How does this understanding affect the way believers participate in the sacrament? [22:01]

4. How does the sermon explain the human tendency to remember significant moments, and how does the Lord's Supper fulfill this need? What does this reveal about the nature of sacred traditions in Christianity? [14:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you participated in the Lord's Supper. How did it impact your understanding of Christ's sacrifice? What can you do to deepen this experience in future observances? [04:09]

2. The sermon highlights the importance of remembering Christ's sacrifice. What practical steps can you take to ensure that this remembrance remains a central part of your faith journey? [16:17]

3. How can the anticipation of the heavenly banquet, as symbolized in the Lord's Supper, provide hope and encouragement in your current life circumstances? What specific actions can you take to live with this future hope in mind? [22:35]

4. Consider the concept of sacred time and space discussed in the sermon. How can you create moments of sacredness in your daily life to encounter God's presence more intentionally? [05:38]

5. The sermon mentions the link between apostasy and forgetting. How can you actively combat spiritual forgetfulness in your life? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to keep your faith vibrant and committed? [22:01]

6. Reflect on the communal aspect of the Lord's Supper. How can you foster a deeper sense of community and connection with fellow believers during this sacrament? What role can you play in strengthening these bonds? [06:11]

7. The sermon discusses the human need to remember significant events. How can you incorporate this understanding into your personal spiritual practices, such as journaling or setting aside time for reflection? [14:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Remembering Christ's Sacrifice
The Lord's Supper is a sacred memorial that connects us to the past, reminding us of Christ's sacrifice and the deliverance it secured. It is a call to remember and never forget the pivotal moment of our salvation. This act of remembrance is not just a nostalgic look back but a sacred tradition that connects us to the pivotal moment of Christ's death on the cross. It is a call to never forget the most significant event in history that secured our salvation. By participating in the Lord's Supper, believers are reminded of the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, which is the foundation of their faith. This remembrance is crucial in maintaining a strong connection to the roots of Christian belief and ensuring that the significance of Christ's sacrifice is never diminished. [04:09]

"And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not." (Deuteronomy 8:2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a specific moment in your life where you experienced God's deliverance. How can you incorporate a regular practice of remembrance into your daily routine to honor that moment?


Day 2: Experiencing Christ's Presence
In the present, the Lord's Supper is a sacred encounter with Christ, where we experience His presence and reflect on His love and grace. It is a time of communion with God and fellow believers, reminiscent of sacred encounters throughout Scripture. This sacred time and space are reminiscent of the sacralization of space and time seen throughout Scripture, where God meets His people in significant ways. Just as Moses encountered God at the burning bush, we encounter Christ in the breaking of bread and sharing of the cup. This encounter is a powerful reminder of the ongoing presence of Christ in the lives of believers, offering comfort, guidance, and strength. [06:11]

"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b, ESV)

Reflection: During your next participation in the Lord's Supper, focus on the presence of Christ. How can you cultivate an awareness of His presence in your daily life, even outside of this sacred moment?


Day 3: Anticipating the Heavenly Banquet
The future aspect of the Lord's Supper is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, reminding us of the hope and joy we have in Christ's promise of eternal life. It encourages us to live with anticipation and hope, looking forward to the glory to come. This forward-looking aspect of the sacrament encourages believers to live with anticipation and hope, knowing that their present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed. The Lord's Supper serves as a reminder of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the joy of being united with Christ in His kingdom. [22:35]

"Then the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.' And he said to me, 'These are the true words of God.'" (Revelation 19:9, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge or struggle in your life. How can the hope of the heavenly banquet and eternal life with Christ provide you with strength and encouragement today?


Day 4: The Human Need for Sacred Remembrance
Human beings have a natural tendency to remember significant moments, and the Lord's Supper fulfills this need by providing a divine institution that celebrates the most important event in history. It unites believers across time and space in a sacred tradition. This sacred tradition fulfills a deep-seated need to remember and celebrate the most important event in history. It is a divine institution that unites believers across time and space, reminding them of Christ's love and sacrifice and pointing them toward the glorious future they have in Him. [14:17]

"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." (Deuteronomy 4:9, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a personal or communal tradition that helps you remember God's work in your life. How can you share this tradition with others to strengthen their faith and sense of community?


Day 5: The Safeguard Against Forgetting
The link between apostasy and forgetting highlights the importance of remembrance in the Christian faith. The Lord's Supper serves as a safeguard against forgetting, ensuring that we remain committed to Christ and His sacrifice. This safeguard is essential in maintaining a strong and vibrant faith, as it helps believers stay grounded in the truth of the Gospel and the significance of Christ's sacrifice. By regularly participating in the Lord's Supper, believers are reminded of their commitment to Christ and the importance of living a life that reflects His love and grace. [22:01]

"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt distant from God. How can the practice of the Lord's Supper help you stay committed to your faith and prevent spiritual drift in the future?

Quotes


In Luke chapter 22, Jesus, in verse 7, we read, “Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. And He sent Peter and John saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.’ So they said to Him, ‘Where do you want us to prepare?’ He said to them, ‘Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. And then you shall say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says to you, ‘Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’” And then he will show you a large furnished upper room; there make ready.’ And so they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover. [00:00:51]

Now when the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him; and 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 He 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; He 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.’ [00:01:47]

And likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you. But behold, the hand of my betrayer is with me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!’” Now in this description of the institution of the Lord’s Supper, we see that Jesus makes specific reference to two dimensions of time. [00:02:38]

The way we generally measure the passing of time in our culture is by referring to the past, to the present, and to the future. And when we look at the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Supper in the life of the Christian community, we see that the Lord’s Supper has significance and application to all three dimensions of time—to the past, to the present, and to the future. [00:03:19]

Now we see in the first instance its relationship to the past; not only is it related to the past by virtue of its link to the Passover, but also now we understand that what Jesus was talking about in the Upper Room that was to happen on the morrow has since taken place, and so His death on the cross is past to us. And He tells the disciples that they are to do this sacrament, in the first instance, in remembrance of Him; and so to the extent that our celebration of the Lord’s Supper is a remembrance, to that extent, it is that which is related to something that has happened in the past. [00:03:54]

Now we develop traditions where we try to maintain continual links to the past. In biblical categories, ladies and gentlemen, we see frequently what we call the sacralization of space and of time. That is, we see countless examples where God or where the people of Israel, particularly, give sacred, holy, consecrated significance to particular times and to particular events that take place in this world. [00:04:53]

We remember back when Moses was called by God in the Midianite wilderness: “Then He spoke to Moses out of the burning bush. He said, ‘Moses, Moses, put off they shoes from off thy feet for the ground whereon thou standest is holy ground.’” That is, what God was saying to Moses is, “Moses, this place on the planet is now sacred; this is a holy site.” And what made the ground holy and what made it necessary for Moses to remove his shoes and to show deference and respect to this piece of real estate was not because Moses was there. [00:05:38]

It wasn’t his presence that made it holy ground; what made it holy ground was that it was a point of intersection or of meeting between God and His people. And if you go through the Old Testament, and you see special places where God meets with His people or where God enacts a specially important redemptive occasions, that it was customary for the people of Israel to mark the spot. Often it was done by building a very crude and simple altar with stones. [00:06:35]

When, for example, Noah landed on the top of Ararat and departed from the ark, one of the very first things he did was to build an altar at that place to remember the place where God had delivered him and his family from the deluge. When the children of Israel passed over the Jordan under the leadership of Joshua, they erected a monument. We see this again and again. We see, for example, when Jacob had his midnight vision, when he saw God ascending and descending from the heavens, and he was on his way to find a wife, and he named that spot Bêt’l or Bethel because he said, “Surely the lord was in this place, and I knew it not.” [00:07:10]

So he took the stone that he had used for a pillow during that night and he anointed it with oil and placed it there as a marker to mark the place forever where God had appeared to him in this dream and had made His promise to him. So again, we see that time after time after time, what we call here the sacralization of space. We do it today, where we have special places in our own lives—places that we evoke fond memories of the past, or sorrowful memories. [00:07:58]

Here in Orlando, about a year ago, there was a tragic traffic accident very close to my home in which the one of the victims of the accidents was a little girl who was a gymnast, and she lived right across the street from me, and on my way to work every day, I pass that tree where the car crashed against the tree, killing these two girls, as it were. And I pass that every day, and to this day, there are all kinds of memorials and flowers and crosses and all of that marking the spot where she died. [00:08:46]

And this has become more and more of a custom in the American culture, as you see crosses along the highway marking the place where people have lost their lives. But again, we all have special places in our lives; they may be special for good reasons, they may be special for bad reasons, but we count these places holy to us. Well not only do you have holy space in Scripture, but you also have sacred time. The festivals of the Old Testament involved the sacralization of time. [00:09:18]

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Transcript
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