The Lord's Supper's Proper Meaning Series

The Lord's Supper's proper meaning

Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, June 7, 2023

Matthew 26:17–29 (NKJV)

Jesus Celebrates Passover with His Disciples

17 Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. When evening had come, he sat down with the twelve. 21 Now, as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” 22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” 23 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.”

Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”27 Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the [b]new covenant, which is shed for many for the [c]remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

INTRODUCTION

After Judas left to betray Jesus, He gathered with His disciples to share a final meal together. During this meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, instructing His followers to eat the bread and drink the wine in remembrance of Him.

Jesus is referring to the Last Supper, where he shared bread and wine with his disciples. He is also making a reference to the future when they will be reunited in heaven. This statement shows Jesus' belief in the afterlife and his hope for a future reunion with his disciples. It also emphasizes the importance of the Last Supper as a symbol of their bond and shared faith.

The Lord's Supper's meaning is to commemorate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. It symbolizes his body and blood, which were given up for humanity's salvation. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the covenant between God and his people and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Taking communion is a sacred ritual that brings believers closer to God and strengthens their relationship with him. It is a powerful symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity and the love that God has for his people.

After this exchange, Jesus proceeded to institute the Lord's Supper with his disciples. He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "Take, eat; this is My body."

1. SHARED FAITH

We are to celebrate in keeping with the faith we share with Jesus Christ, and the act of partaking in the Lord's Supper continues to be an important part of Christian worship and community today, symbolizing the unity and sacrifice of Christ for his followers. Additionally, through the Lord's Supper, believers are spiritually nourished and strengthened in faith.

Romans 12:13 "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

We are looking into the importance of sharing and providing for others, which can also be reflected in the act of sharing a meal together. The Supper can serve as a reminder to Christians to practice hospitality and generosity towards one another.

What is part of this nourishment? The bread and wine, which represent the body and blood of Christ, serve as a reminder of His ultimate sacrifice and offer a tangible connection to His teachings. Furthermore, the act of sharing in communion with fellow believers fosters a sense of community and solidarity within the church. verse

What is part of the strength? Part of the strength of communion lies in its ability to unite believers across different cultures and backgrounds, creating a shared experience of faith and devotion. Additionally, the communion ritual provides a moment of reflection and introspection, allowing individuals to connect with their spirituality and relationship with God.