The Lord's Supper: A Foretaste of Grace and Unity

 

Summary

In Luke chapter 22, we are invited to a profound reflection on the significance of the Lord's Supper, a practice instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. This sacred meal is more than a mere ritual; it is a means of grace, a way to experience and encounter the resurrected Lord. The message begins with a relatable analogy of how life would change if we stopped eating, drawing a parallel to the spiritual nourishment we receive from the Lord's Supper.

The Lord's Supper serves as a preview of our future, a reminder of the great feast that awaits believers—the marriage supper of the Lamb described in Revelation 19. This future gathering is not just a distant hope but a present reality for those who have trusted in Christ. The Lord's Supper is a taste of heaven, a foretaste of the eternal fellowship we will enjoy with Jesus and all the redeemed.

Moreover, the Lord's Supper is a reminder of the grace available to us in Jesus, not only for eternity but also for the present. It is a reminder that Jesus provides grace for our daily struggles and failings. When we sin, Jesus offers grace and forgiveness, inviting us to come to Him just as we are, without the need to clean ourselves up first. The Lord's Supper is a constant reminder that Jesus knows what to do with our sin and brokenness.

The message also emphasizes that the Lord's Supper is a reminder of our salvation. It recalls the sacrifice of Jesus, the final Passover Lamb, whose body was broken and blood was shed for our redemption. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we remember the price paid for our salvation and the new covenant established by Jesus' blood—a covenant not dependent on our faithfulness but on God's power and grace.

Finally, the Lord's Supper serves as a warning against sin. It reminds us of the cost of our sin, which led to Jesus' sacrifice, and warns us to fight against sin in our lives. Yet, even when we fail, the Lord's Supper reassures us of the hope and forgiveness found in the gospel.

In conclusion, the Lord's Supper is a multifaceted practice that previews our future, reminds us of our salvation, offers grace for the present, and warns us against sin. It is a sacred meal that should be approached with reverence, anticipation, and gratitude, as it points us to the ultimate victory and eternal fellowship we have in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The Lord's Supper is a profound encounter with the grace of Jesus, offering a preview of the eternal banquet with Him. As believers partake in this sacred meal, they are reminded that their future is secure in Christ, and that the struggles of this life are temporary compared to the eternal joy that awaits them. This anticipation of the marriage supper of the Lamb fuels hope and perseverance in the Christian journey. [41:26]

- Grace is not only a future promise but a present reality. The Lord's Supper serves as a tangible reminder that Jesus's grace is sufficient for our daily needs and failings. It is a call to come to Jesus in our brokenness, trusting that He will provide the grace we need at every moment. This grace is not just for the forgiveness of sins but for empowerment to live a life that honors God. [01:05:08]

- The Lord's Supper is a memorial of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God. As we break the bread and drink from the cup, we remember the body of Christ broken and the blood shed for our redemption. This act of remembrance is a call to live in gratitude for the salvation we have received and to walk in the newness of life provided by the new covenant. [44:52]

- The practice of the Lord's Supper is an invitation to self-examination and repentance. It warns us against complacency in sin and challenges us to consider the gravity of Jesus's sacrifice for us. This warning is not meant to lead us to despair but to draw us closer to the Savior, who offers forgiveness and the strength to overcome sin. [58:13]

- The Lord's Supper is a communal experience that unites believers in Christ. As we share in this meal, we are reminded that we are part of a larger family of faith, destined to dine together at the heavenly feast. This unity in Christ transcends all earthly barriers and is a foretaste of the perfect fellowship we will enjoy in God's kingdom. [40:47]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- Luke 22:14-23
- Revelation 19:6-9
- Jeremiah 31:31-33

### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 22:14-23, what specific actions does Jesus take during the Lord's Supper, and what do they symbolize? ([28:59])
2. According to Revelation 19:6-9, what is the significance of the marriage supper of the Lamb, and who is invited to this feast? ([37:09])
3. What does Jeremiah 31:31-33 say about the New Covenant, and how does it differ from the old covenant? ([53:30])
4. How does the sermon describe the Lord's Supper as a preview of our future? ([41:26])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Lord's Supper serve as a reminder of our salvation, according to the sermon? ([42:42])
2. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of grace in our daily lives, and how is this connected to the Lord's Supper? ([01:05:08])
3. How does the practice of the Lord's Supper warn us against sin, and what should be our response when we fail? ([58:13])
4. In what ways does the Lord's Supper unite believers, and how does this reflect the future heavenly feast? ([40:47])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the analogy of how life would change if we stopped eating. How does this analogy help you understand the importance of the Lord's Supper in your spiritual life? ([26:24])
2. The sermon mentions that the Lord's Supper is a foretaste of the marriage supper of the Lamb. How does this future hope influence your daily walk with Christ? ([37:09])
3. How can you practically remind yourself of the grace available in Jesus for your daily struggles and failings? ([01:05:08])
4. The Lord's Supper is a memorial of Jesus' sacrifice. How can you live in gratitude for your salvation and walk in the newness of life provided by the new covenant? ([44:52])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-examination and repentance during the Lord's Supper. How can you incorporate regular self-examination and repentance into your spiritual practices? ([58:13])
6. How does the communal aspect of the Lord's Supper remind you of your connection to the larger family of faith? What steps can you take to strengthen your relationships within the church community? ([40:47])
7. The sermon suggests that Jesus offers grace and forgiveness, inviting us to come to Him just as we are. What barriers might be preventing you from fully accepting this invitation, and how can you overcome them? ([01:03:53])

Devotional

Day 1: Anticipating the Heavenly Banquet
The Lord's Supper is not just a ritual; it is a spiritual practice that nourishes our souls and offers a glimpse of the eternal feast with Christ. As we partake in the bread and the wine, we are reminded that our future is secure in Him. This sacred meal serves as a beacon of hope, assuring us that the trials and tribulations of this life are temporary when compared to the everlasting joy that awaits us in God's kingdom. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the promise of the marriage supper of the Lamb, where we will dine with Jesus and the redeemed from all ages. This anticipation is not a passive waiting but an active living out of our faith, fueled by the hope of what is to come. [41:26]

Revelation 19:6-9 ESV
"Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And 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.'"

Reflection: How does the hope of the eternal banquet with Christ shape the way you live your daily life and face challenges?


Day 2: Grace for Today's Journey
The Lord's Supper is a tangible expression of Jesus's grace, which is available to us in the present. It is a reminder that we can approach Him in our brokenness and find the grace we need for our daily struggles and failings. This grace is not limited to forgiveness; it empowers us to live lives that honor God. As we come to the table, we are invited to lay down our burdens and receive the grace that Jesus freely offers, trusting that He is sufficient for us in every circumstance. The Lord's Supper is a call to live in the reality of this grace, allowing it to transform us from the inside out. [01:05:08]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to experience Jesus's grace today, and how can you open yourself up to receive it?


Day 3: Remembering the Sacrifice
As we break the bread and drink from the cup during the Lord's Supper, we are called to remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God. This act of remembrance is not a mere recollection of historical events but a profound engagement with the reality of our redemption. It is a reminder of the body of Christ broken and the blood shed for us, which established a new covenant. This covenant is based on God's faithfulness, not ours, and it invites us to live in gratitude and walk in the newness of life that Jesus has provided. The Lord's Supper is a memorial that calls us to a deeper appreciation of the salvation we have received and the cost at which it came. [44:52]

Hebrews 9:14-15 ESV
"How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."

Reflection: How does remembering Christ's sacrifice impact the way you view your salvation and live out your faith?


Day 4: A Call to Repentance
The Lord's Supper is an invitation to self-examination and repentance. It confronts us with the gravity of Jesus's sacrifice and the cost of our sin, urging us not to become complacent. This warning is not meant to lead us to despair but to draw us closer to the Savior, who offers forgiveness and the strength to overcome sin. As we partake in this meal, we are encouraged to reflect on our lives, confess our sins, and turn back to God with a renewed commitment to fight against sin and live in the light of His grace. The Lord's Supper is a moment of grace that calls us to a deeper conversion and a more authentic discipleship. [58:13]

1 Peter 1:17-19 ESV
"And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."

Reflection: What specific sin or struggle do you need to bring before the Lord today, and what steps can you take to repent and seek His strength to overcome it?


Day 5: United in Christ's Love
The Lord's Supper is a communal experience that unites us as believers in Christ. It transcends all earthly barriers and is a foretaste of the perfect fellowship we will enjoy in God's kingdom. As we share in this meal, we are reminded that we are part of a larger family of faith, destined to dine together at the heavenly feast. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world of the love and grace found in Christ. It is a call to live out our faith in community, supporting one another and growing together as we await the fulfillment of God's promises. [40:47]

Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of the body of Christ today, and in what ways can you actively foster community within your church?

Quotes

1) "The Lord's Supper is a preview of our future so that we aren't just reading about that Feast but we're getting a foretaste of what that Feast is going to look like." [40:11] (Download)

2) "As hard as this life may be, the Lord's Supper is a reminder that heaven is just around the corner." [41:26] (Download)

3) "The Lord's Supper is a constant reminder that Jesus knows what to do with your sin and brokenness." [01:04:29] (Download)

4) "The Lord's Supper is a reminder of our Salvation... it's remembering what God has done." [43:16] (Download)

5) "The Lord's Supper is a warning to our sin... it reminds us of the mercy that we have experienced but then it warns us against our sin." [58:13] (Download)

6) "The Lord's Supper represents a greater Exodus with a greater deliverer that brings a new Passover and doesn't just save us from slavery to a kingdom but saves Us From Slavery to sin." [48:00] (Download)

7) "Jesus knows exactly what to do with your pain and the Lord's Supper is a constant reminder of that." [01:04:29] (Download)

8) "The Lord's Supper is a constant reminder of the grace we need." [28:17] (Download)

9) "The Lord's Supper is different though because the Lord's Supper represents a greater Exodus with a greater deliverer that brings a new Passover and doesn't just save us from slavery to a kingdom but saves Us From Slavery to sin." [48:00] (Download)

10) "The Lord's Supper is a reminder to us that our sin cost Jesus a great price and it's a warning to us that sin must be something we find because it costs Jesus his life." [01:02:01] (Download)

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Transcript
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