Remembering The Lord’s Table

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Remembering the Lord’s Table

Introduction: Jesus came into this world 2000 years ago. Jesus lived for 33-1/2 years in this world. The entire life of Jesus is very important for a child of God. One part of His life on earth is very prominent for us and Jesus wants us to remember it whenever we meet. Jesus was born and people call it Christmas even though we do not have any biblical or historical proof of his birth on December 25th. Jesus lived, Jesus died, Jesus rose again, and Jesus ascended to heaven. But the one thing about Jesus’ life that He wants us to remember is his death, not the birth. The birth of Jesus was important to the Old Testament people. Jesus wanted the Old Testament people to look forward to his birth but they terribly missed it. Jesus wants the New Testament people (you and me) to remember his death. You can find Christmas decorations all around. The Christmas season has started; however, we will start this Christmas by remembering the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus has given us the Lord’s Table to remember his death.

Subject: Remembering the Lord’s Table Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

This morning we are going to take a deeper look at the Lord’s Table, understand its background, and see how we are to approach the Lord’s Table.

1 Corinthians 11:23-32 explains about the Holy Communion.

1 Corinthians 11:23a 23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you.

Holy Communion was not a ritual started by Paul. Apostle Paul received the Holy Communion doctrine from glorified Jesus. God revealed it to him.

Now when we study the life of Jesus, Jesus Christ himself started the communion. Luke 22:14-18 14When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." 17After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. 18For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." Jesus started the Holy Communion which was later revealed to Apostle Paul.

Now Jesus did not start the Holy Communion just out of order. Jesus replaced the Passover into the Holy Communion. Luke 22:15 15And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. Jesus replaced the Passover meal into the Holy Communion.

Now what is the Passover?

Passover is the celebration of exodus (exit) of the Israelites from Egypt. Passover started in Exodus. The Passover meal was an annual event in a Jewish household.

Exodus 12:3 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household.

Exodus 12:6-7 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.

Exodus 12:12-13 12 "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

The blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from death that day. The Israelites celebrated the Passover annually remembering how God protected their forefathers on the first Passover day back in Egypt.

Now, Jesus celebrated the Passover for 32 years very faithfully. On the 33rd year Jesus and disciples celebrated the Passover one day early i.e., Thursday and on Friday at the exact time the lambs were to be slaughtered Jesus died as the Passover lamb. Thus, Jesus was a perfect bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Jesus ate the Passover as per the Old Testament laws and the next day he himself became the Passover lamb. His death was 3 hours before the Passover meal. In other words Jesus replaced the Passover meal into the Holy Communion. The Holy Communion has a great significance.

1 Corinthians 11:23b-25 The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25In 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."