INTRODUCTION
Priscilla Larson, of Lexington, MA, tells of the time her brother in law (a preacher) had been away from home one afternoon donating his blood at the Red Cross. The preacher’s son was concerned when his father didn’t come home at his usual time so he asked his mother, “Is dad going around visiting all the sick people?” His mother replied, “No honey, he’s giving blood.” He paused in deep thought for a moment and then as his eyes lit up he exclaimed, “But we know it’s really grape juice, don’t we mom?”
Illustration taken from Jeff Strite @ SermonCentral.com
At a tender age, this little boy knew what many of us, far advanced in years, should know; the cup of communion represents the blood of Jesus. The very mention of blood reminded him of the Lord’s Supper.
Churches meet together to meet also with God. He is present with His people. Jesus said in Matt. 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” More often than not, we forget that point! God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit meet with his people at church. The focal point of our worship is to partake of "The Lord’s Supper." We partake of this divinely instituted meal lest we forget the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf and the ramifications of that sacrifice.
Perhaps the most famous painting that ever flowed from the brush of Leonardo DaVinci was inspired by this Last Supper scene. The institution of the supper by our Lord might well be considered a "last request" or his dying wish. It is a memorial of his body and his blood which was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
Main Body
I. The Institution of the Supper
A. Christ’s Last Request (1 Corinthians 11:23—26)
B. A Request Honored by the Apostles
1. Acts 2:42
2. Acts 20:6, 7
II. The Significance of the Supper
A. Commemorates the Forgiveness of our Sins
1. It is a memorial.
2. It is a proclamation of Christ’s death. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
3. It is an examination of our manner of worship. (1 Corinthians 11:17—22)
B. It is a time of self-examination. (1 Corinthians 11:28—32)
III. The Focus of the Supper is. . .
A. Backwards – Remembering his sacrifice on the cross.
B. Upwards – toward God. (1 Corinthians 10:15—17)
C. Inward – examining one’s heart to maintain spiritual vigor. (1 Corinthians 11:29—32)
D. Forward – Partaking of the Supper "until he comes."
E. Outward – Maintaining unity and harmony in the church.
Mitchell Skelton, Minister
Midway church of Christ
http://www.TheLordsWay.com/Midway
