THE LORD’S SUPPER IN THREE TENSES
Luke 22:7-18
INTRO: On the front of the communion table are usually found the words, “This do in remembrance of Me.” When we come to observe this ordinance, it should be a time of remembrance. Remembrance in three things: PAST—Show the Lord’s death; PRESENT—Communion with Christ now; and FUTURE—Till He comes.
I. PAST TENSE—SHOW THE LORD’S DEATH.
In the O. T. worship centered in the sacrifice of unblemished lambs. Jesus was to be the Passover Lamb. He was God’s provision for our redemption.
He desired to have a few last hours with His disciples to instruct them of some last things. This do—was the way of showing forth his death.
At the Lord’s table we call to mind the high cost of our Salvation. While it is free to us, it cost Christ dearly—His very body and life’s blood.
Sometimes, in the things we do, we don’t show forth His death as much as He requires. Instead, we try to crucify Him anew.
II. PRESENT TENSE—COMMUNICATION WITH CHRIST NOW.
The word communion is an action word which means: “fellowship, participating in, sharing together, having in common.” The observance is not simply keeping a dead memory alive. It is entering into the presence of one who lived, died, was raised from the dead by the power of God, and is alive forevermore. Above all that He is present with us here and now—at the table.
Jesus wanted to have communion with His disciples. He wanted them to think often of Him.
We are a fellowship of believers. When we sit at the Lord’s table, it is as if we were present with Jesus during that final meal. Most definitely, he is with us.
III. FUTURE TENSE—TILL HE COMES.
1 Cor. 11:26 says: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show forth the Lord’s death till he comes.” You proclaim the Lord’s death “Till He Comes.” Did three words ever tell more?
Jesus spoke of His coming kingdom. He was preparing the disciples for the work ahead. They did not fully understand what Jesus was telling them, but they were faithful.
When we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we are to remember the promise of His return. We have our instructions from Jesus the same as the disciples had their instructions. Are we as faithful as they were?
CONC: The word describing the ordinance means: Thanksgiving. It is important that we offer thanks to God for Jesus as we sit at His table.
