The Mystery of Christ's Presence in the Lord's Supper

 

Summary

In today's exploration of the Lord's Supper, we delved into its temporal significance, focusing on its past, present, and future dimensions. Historically, the Lord's Supper has been a point of contention, particularly regarding the real presence of Christ during the celebration. The majority of church history supports the idea of Christ's real presence, but the mode of this presence has been debated. The crux of the controversy often centers on the interpretation of Jesus' words, "This is my body," and how the verb "is" should be understood.

We examined the metaphorical use of "is" in Jesus' "I am" statements, suggesting a representative rather than literal interpretation. This leads to the question of whether the bread and wine are literally transformed into Christ's body and blood or if they symbolize His presence. Historically, Christians faced accusations of cannibalism due to misunderstandings of this sacrament.

The 16th-century Reformation highlighted these debates, with Lutherans and Reformed Christians diverging on the interpretation of the Lord's Supper. Luther insisted on the literal presence of Christ's body and blood, while the Roman Catholic Church upheld the doctrine of transubstantiation, where the substance of bread and wine is transformed into Christ's body and blood, despite retaining their original appearances. This doctrine was challenged by theologians like Edmund Schillebeeckx, who proposed "trans-signification," suggesting a change in the elements' significance rather than their substance.

Calvin, navigating between the Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and spiritualists, argued for the real presence of Christ without endorsing a physical transformation. He emphasized the substantial presence of Christ, meaning a real, though not physical, presence. This nuanced understanding reflects the complexity of theological debates surrounding the Lord's Supper and the importance of discerning Christ's presence in our spiritual lives.

Key Takeaways:

- The Lord's Supper is a profound mystery that invites us to reflect on Christ's past sacrifice, present presence, and future promise. Understanding its significance requires grappling with historical and theological debates about Christ's real presence. [00:30]

- The interpretation of Jesus' words, "This is my body," challenges us to consider the nature of His presence. Is it literal or metaphorical? This question has shaped Christian theology and invites us to seek a deeper understanding of Christ's presence in our lives. [01:55]

- The doctrine of transubstantiation illustrates the tension between faith and reason. It challenges us to see beyond appearances and trust in the mystery of Christ's presence, even when it defies our senses and understanding. [09:43]

- Calvin's approach to the Lord's Supper highlights the importance of balancing tradition and innovation. He navigated between different theological perspectives, advocating for a real presence of Christ that transcends physical limitations. [22:20]

- The Lord's Supper calls us to unity amidst diversity. Despite historical disagreements, it remains a central act of worship that unites believers in remembrance and anticipation of Christ's return. This unity in diversity reflects the broader call to love and fellowship in the body of Christ. [21:45]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Temporal Orientation of the Lord's Supper
- [00:30] - Present Significance and Controversies
- [00:58] - Real Presence of Christ
- [01:28] - Words of Institution
- [02:45] - The Meaning of "Is"
- [04:13] - Metaphorical Use of "Is"
- [05:43] - Historical Accusations of Cannibalism
- [07:03] - 16th Century Debates
- [08:19] - Doctrine of Transubstantiation
- [10:25] - Aristotelian Categories
- [13:18] - Double Miracle of the Mass
- [15:13] - Challenges to Transubstantiation
- [18:28] - Luther's View
- [19:39] - Reformed Perspective
- [22:20] - Calvin's Balancing Act
- [23:25] - Conclusion and Next Session Preview

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Lord's Supper

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 26:26-28 - "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"
2. John 6:53-56 - "Jesus said to them, 'Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.'"
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - "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, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."

Observation Questions:
1. What are the different interpretations of Jesus' words, "This is my body," as discussed in the sermon? [01:55]
2. How did the 16th-century Reformation contribute to the debates about the Lord's Supper? [07:03]
3. What is the doctrine of transubstantiation, and how does it differ from Luther's and Calvin's views? [08:19]
4. How does Calvin's approach to the Lord's Supper differ from that of the Roman Catholics and Lutherans? [22:20]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphorical use of "is" in Jesus' "I am" statements influence our understanding of the Lord's Supper? [04:13]
2. What are the implications of the doctrine of transubstantiation for the relationship between faith and reason? [09:43]
3. How does Calvin's view of the Lord's Supper reflect a balance between tradition and innovation? [22:20]
4. In what ways does the Lord's Supper call believers to unity amidst diversity, despite historical disagreements? [21:45]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of Christ's presence in the Lord's Supper. How does this understanding affect your participation in this sacrament? [00:30]
2. How can you engage with the historical and theological debates about the Lord's Supper to deepen your faith? [01:55]
3. In what ways can the mystery of the Lord's Supper challenge you to trust in Christ's presence beyond your senses and understanding? [09:43]
4. How can you apply Calvin's approach of balancing tradition and innovation in your own spiritual practices? [22:20]
5. Consider the unity in diversity that the Lord's Supper represents. How can you promote love and fellowship within your church community? [21:45]
6. How does the anticipation of Christ's return, as symbolized in the Lord's Supper, influence your daily life and decisions? [00:15]
7. Identify a specific way you can prepare your heart and mind for the next time you partake in the Lord's Supper. What steps will you take to make it a meaningful experience?

Devotional

Day 1: The Mystery of the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a profound mystery that invites believers to reflect on Christ's past sacrifice, present presence, and future promise. This sacrament is not just a ritual but a deep spiritual experience that connects us to the core of our faith. Understanding its significance requires grappling with historical and theological debates about Christ's real presence. The Lord's Supper is a reminder of the unity we share in Christ, transcending time and space, and calling us to live in the light of His sacrifice and promise. [00:30]

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."

Reflection: How does the mystery of the Lord's Supper challenge you to live differently today, in light of Christ's sacrifice and promise?


Day 2: The Nature of Christ's Presence
The interpretation of Jesus' words, "This is my body," challenges us to consider the nature of His presence. Is it literal or metaphorical? This question has shaped Christian theology and invites us to seek a deeper understanding of Christ's presence in our lives. The debate over the real presence of Christ in the elements of the Lord's Supper is not just a theological exercise but a call to experience His presence in a meaningful way. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are invited to encounter Christ in a way that transcends our understanding and draws us closer to Him. [01:55]

John 6:56-57 (ESV): "Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me."

Reflection: In what ways can you seek to experience Christ's presence more deeply in your daily life, beyond the ritual of the Lord's Supper?


Day 3: Faith Beyond Reason
The doctrine of transubstantiation illustrates the tension between faith and reason. It challenges us to see beyond appearances and trust in the mystery of Christ's presence, even when it defies our senses and understanding. This tension invites us to embrace a faith that is not limited by human logic but is open to the divine mystery. As we approach the Lord's Supper, we are called to trust in the reality of Christ's presence, even when it is beyond our comprehension. [09:43]

Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God beyond what you can see or understand? How can you take a step of faith today?


Day 4: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Calvin's approach to the Lord's Supper highlights the importance of balancing tradition and innovation. He navigated between different theological perspectives, advocating for a real presence of Christ that transcends physical limitations. This balance invites us to honor the rich traditions of our faith while being open to new understandings and expressions of Christ's presence. As we engage with the Lord's Supper, we are encouraged to hold onto the truths of our faith while being open to the ways God may be speaking to us today. [22:20]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: How can you honor the traditions of your faith while being open to new ways God might be working in your life and community?


Day 5: Unity in Diversity
The Lord's Supper calls us to unity amidst diversity. Despite historical disagreements, it remains a central act of worship that unites believers in remembrance and anticipation of Christ's return. This unity in diversity reflects the broader call to love and fellowship in the body of Christ. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of our shared faith and the call to live in harmony with one another, celebrating our differences while being united in Christ. [21:45]

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV): "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who holds different views or practices than you. How can you reach out to them this week to foster unity and understanding?

Quotes


The majority report in church history favors the real presence of Christ in the celebration of the Lord's Supper so that when we gather at the table we are in a real communion with him, and of course not everybody believes that there's any special way in which he's present at the Lord's Supper. [00:00:52]

The question that has emerged in the controversies historically focuses on this word is. How is it to be understood? There are real controversies where the outcome of the debate rests upon what the meaning of is is because in the English language, the word is is indeed a part of the verb to be. [00:02:03]

In addition to this use of the verb to be, there is also the metaphorical use where the verb to be or the word is in this case may mean represents. And so you think, for example, of the I am statements of Jesus that are found in the Gospel of John where Jesus says I am the vine, you are the branches. [00:04:01]

The obvious question is how is is being used here? What is the meaning of is in this context? Is Jesus saying this bread that I am breaking now really is my flesh, this cup of wine that I've blessed this really is my blood so that when people were drinking that wine they were actually drinking his blood? [00:05:39]

The Roman Catholic Church then and now, and then it taught continues to teach the doctrine of transubstantiation. This is the view that the substance of the bread and wine are transferred supernaturally or transformed, I should say, supernaturally into the actual body and blood of Jesus. [00:08:16]

The church came up with a formula, really not just a theological formula, but a philosophical formula to account for the phenomenon of the appearances of bread and wine remaining. They reached back into the past to the philosophical categories of Aristotle and borrowed language from Aristotle to articulate their view. [00:10:16]

Aristotle was very much concerned with the nature of reality, and he made a distinction of objects in real objects between what he called their substance or their essence, the real stuff of what makes a thing what it is, its real essence, and what he called the accidents, which were not accidents that you know. [00:10:54]

In the miracle of the mass, a double miracle takes place. On the one hand, the substance of the bread and wine changes into the substance of the body and blood of Christ, while the accidents remain the same. Now what does that mean? That means prior to the miracle, you have the substance of bread and the accidents of bread. [00:13:28]

Luther objected to transubstantiation because he believed that it involved a frivolous miracle, unnecessary. He said you don't have to go through all of this substance and accidents distinction when we can still have a view of the real corporeal presence of Christ in the Last Supper. [00:18:28]

Calvin had to debate against those people because he was insisting on the real presence of Christ and on the other hand he was debating with the Roman Catholics and with the Lutherans with respect to the nature of that presence and one of the oddities there is Calvin's use of the word substance or substantive. [00:21:45]

Against the spiritualist Calvin argue for the substantial presence of Christ meaning the real presence of Christ and with the Catholics and the Lutherans he denied the substantial presence of Christ because he's denying the physical presence of Christ. [00:23:16]

The Lord's Supper calls us to unity amidst diversity. Despite historical disagreements, it remains a central act of worship that unites believers in remembrance and anticipation of Christ's return. This unity in diversity reflects the broader call to love and fellowship in the body of Christ. [00:21:45]

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Transcript
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