The Sacred Significance of the Lord's Supper
Summary
The discourse begins with an emphasis on the importance of foundational Christian practices, particularly focusing on the act of breaking bread, which encompasses both communal meals and the Lord's Supper. The discussion highlights the historical significance of the Lord's Supper, referencing the early church's devotion to this practice as seen in Acts 2:42. The ambiguity of whether "breaking of bread" refers to ordinary meals or the Lord's Supper is addressed, with a leaning towards the latter interpretation.
Historical context is provided, illustrating the gravity with which the Lord's Supper has been regarded throughout church history. The narrative recounts the persecution and martyrdom of individuals in the 16th century who held specific beliefs about baptism and the Lord's Supper, contrasting the brutality of that era with the potential superficiality of modern times. This historical perspective serves to underscore the seriousness with which the Lord's Supper should be approached.
The Lord's Supper is presented as a multi-faceted observance that involves looking backward to remember Jesus' sacrifice, looking forward in anticipation of His return, looking inward for self-examination, and looking outward towards the community of believers. The backward glance is not only historical, acknowledging the events of Jesus' life and death, but also reflective of the physical and spiritual realities of His sacrifice. The forward look is filled with hope, grounded in the promise of Jesus' return.
The inward look is a call for self-examination, ensuring that individuals approach the Lord's Supper in a worthy manner, recognizing their unworthiness apart from Christ and the need for personal confession and repentance. The outward look emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the body of believers, recognizing the church as the collective body of Christ.
The discussion also addresses practical concerns, such as the frequency of observing the Lord's Supper and the importance of not trivializing it, especially in the presence of children who may not yet understand its significance. The act of taking the Lord's Supper is framed as a serious and sacred moment, one that should not be approached lightly or without due consideration of its profound implications.
The narrative concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to trust in Jesus as their Savior and to approach the Lord's Supper with a sense of sacred seriousness, fully aware of the grace and salvation it represents. The discourse ends with a benediction, sending the congregation out to make disciples, echoing the Great Commission.
Key Takeaways:
- The Lord's Supper is a practice deeply rooted in Christian history, serving as a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus and the early church's commitment to this observance. It is a tradition that has been held with such reverence that it has led to persecution and martyrdom for those who stood by their convictions. This historical weight should inform the contemporary approach to the Lord's Supper, instilling a sense of solemnity and respect. [06:44]
- Approaching the Lord's Supper requires a multi-dimensional perspective: looking backward to Christ's life and sacrifice, forward to His promised return, inward for personal reflection and repentance, and outward to foster unity within the church community. Each of these perspectives enriches the experience and understanding of the Lord's Supper, making it a deeply meaningful practice for believers. [18:16]
- The inward examination before participating in the Lord's Supper is crucial. It is not about being worthy in oneself but about approaching the table in a worthy manner, acknowledging one's unworthiness apart from Christ. This introspection leads to a recognition of the need for grace and the transformative power of the atonement provided by Jesus' sacrifice. [37:25]
- The Lord's Supper should not become a routine or superficial act. Its significance lies in the continual remembrance and proclamation of Jesus' death and the anticipation of His return. Regular observance serves as a reminder to live in a manner that honors the sacrifice made for humanity and to perpetually examine one's faith and commitment to Christ. [13:28]
- The Lord's Supper is an invitation to all who belong to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of being in a right relationship with God and with fellow believers. It is a communal act that signifies one's part in the body of Christ, and as such, it calls for reconciliation and unity among the church community, reflecting the love and sacrifice of Jesus. [32:30]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV)
"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."
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NIV)
"Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf."
Observation Questions:
1. What actions did Jesus perform during the Last Supper with the bread and the cup, and what did he instruct his disciples to do in remembrance of him?
2. How does Paul describe the sharing of the bread and the cup in 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 in relation to the body of Christ?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What might be the significance of Jesus choosing bread and wine as elements to represent his body and blood during the Last Supper?
2. In what ways does participating in the Lord's Supper proclaim the Lord's death, and why is it important to do this until he comes?
3. How does the act of sharing one loaf of bread symbolize the unity of the church as the body of Christ?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the last time you participated in the Lord's Supper. Did you take time to examine yourself and your relationship with Christ before partaking? How can you prepare your heart for the next time?
2. Consider the unity of the church body. Is there someone within your church community with whom you need to reconcile? What steps can you take this week to foster unity and love?
3. The Lord's Supper is a time of remembrance. What is one way you can honor the sacrifice of Jesus in your daily life, beyond the moments of communion?
4. How can you explain the significance of the Lord's Supper to someone who may not understand its meaning, such as a child or a new believer, in a way that is respectful and honors its sacredness?
5. In anticipation of Jesus' return, what is one practical change you can make in your life to live with a greater sense of hope and purpose?
Devotional
Day 1: Reverence for the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is not merely a ritual to be observed; it is a profound practice steeped in the rich history of the Christian faith. It serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made and the unwavering commitment of the early church to this observance. Throughout history, believers have faced persecution and even martyrdom for their convictions regarding the Lord's Supper, which underscores the gravity and reverence with which it should be approached. In contemporary times, it is vital to maintain this sense of solemnity and respect, ensuring that the act of communion is never trivialized or taken for granted. The Lord's Supper is a sacred moment to reflect on the past, present, and future of one's faith journey, recognizing the profound implications of grace and salvation it represents [06:44].
"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.'" - 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Reflection: How does understanding the historical significance of the Lord's Supper deepen your reverence for this practice?
Day 2: The Multidimensional Lord's Supper
Approaching the Lord's Supper requires a multidimensional perspective that enriches the experience for believers. It is a time to look backward, remembering Christ's life and sacrifice; to look forward, anticipating His promised return; to look inward, examining oneself for personal reflection and repentance; and to look outward, fostering unity within the church community. Each perspective brings depth to the observance, allowing believers to connect with the spiritual realities of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope of His return. This practice is not just a remembrance but a proclamation of faith and a commitment to live in a manner that honors the transformative power of Christ's atonement [18:16].
"Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?" - 1 Corinthians 10:16
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace the multidimensional aspects of the Lord's Supper in your own spiritual practice?
Day 3: Worthy Approach to the Table
The inward examination before participating in the Lord's Supper is a crucial aspect of the observance. It is not about being inherently worthy but about approaching the table in a worthy manner, acknowledging one's unworthiness apart from Christ. This introspection leads to a recognition of the need for grace and the transformative power of the atonement provided by Jesus' sacrifice. It is a time for personal confession and repentance, ensuring that one's heart is prepared to receive the elements with humility and gratitude. The Lord's Supper is an invitation to reflect on one's relationship with God and to seek reconciliation where needed, embracing the grace that is offered through Christ's sacrifice [37:25].
"Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." - 1 Corinthians 11:28
Reflection: What steps can you take to prepare your heart for a worthy approach to the Lord's Supper?
Day 4: Regular Remembrance and Proclamation
The Lord's Supper should never become a routine or superficial act. Its significance lies in the continual remembrance and proclamation of Jesus' death and the anticipation of His return. Regular observance serves as a reminder to live in a manner that honors the sacrifice made for humanity and to perpetually examine one's faith and commitment to Christ. It is a sacred moment that calls believers to reflect on the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice and to renew their dedication to living out the gospel in their daily lives. The Lord's Supper is a practice that should be approached with intentionality and a deep sense of the sacred, ensuring that its profound implications are never lost or diminished [13:28].
"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." - 1 Corinthians 11:26
Reflection: How can you ensure that your observance of the Lord's Supper remains a meaningful act of remembrance and proclamation?
Day 5: Communion as Community Unity
The Lord's Supper is an invitation to all who belong to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of being in a right relationship with God and with fellow believers. It is a communal act that signifies one's part in the body of Christ, calling for reconciliation and unity among the church community. This observance is a reflection of the love and sacrifice of Jesus, and as such, it calls believers to live out these same qualities in their relationships with one another. The Lord's Supper is a time to come together as one body, setting aside differences and embracing the collective identity as followers of Christ, united by His grace and love [32:30].
"So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together." - 1 Corinthians 11:33
Reflection: What actions can you take to promote unity and reconciliation within your church community during the observance of the Lord's Supper?
Quotes
1) "The Lord's Supper should be approached with a sacred seriousness. Not flippant but serious. How serious? Well if you notice back at verse 30 again how serious? He says this is why many are sick and ill among you and many have fallen asleep." [39:19] (Download)
2) "We must look inward, inward. So not only do we look backward with perception and forward with anticipation but we also look inward with investigation." [30:44] (Download)
3) "The Lord's Supper is a family meal and the Lord of the family expects his children to love one another." [46:07] (Download)
4) "You cannot grow closer to Jesus while you separate yourself from those he loves. It is impossible you cannot grow closer to Jesus if you are going to be at odds with the ones he loves." [47:59] (Download)
5) "We look outward at one another not to condemn one another but to love one another. To be in a right relationship with one another." [42:52] (Download)
6) "We are looking backward at what he did and we are looking forward at what he is going to do in his return, we're looking backward and we're in perception of all that has happened and we're looking forward in anticipation of what is to come." [28:54] (Download)
7) "The only one who could pay for your sin is God because my sin is against a holy God, my sin needs to be paid for by an infinite God and Jesus is God, God the Son." [25:11] (Download)
8) "Paul doesn't say that we must be worthy to sit at the table. He says we must come to the table in a worthy manner. None of us are worthy to sit at the table apart from Jesus Christ." [37:25] (Download)
9) "It is looking back, it is remembering historically, it is remembering his physical aspect, it is remembering the spiritual aspect of what was accomplished." [27:17] (Download)
10) "We often say stack kindling around our children's heart and pray that God will light it on fire for his glory." [34:10] (Download)
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