As we approach Easter, we start planning to observe the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper is also known as Communion. The day before Jesus was crucified, Jesus shared a meal with his disciples. He told them to continue to observe that supper in remembrance of Him. This is why we observe the Lord's Supper still today. You can learn more about the Lord's Supper here.
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Remember Me - The Lord's Supper
Our scripture text for today is 1 Corinthians 11:17-26.
In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!The Lord's Supper is about Jesus. If you love Jesus, you'll want to remember what He did for you. The Lord's Supper originated in what we call the Upper Room where Jesus gathered with His disciples the day before His crucifixion. The Lord's Supper is intended for Christ-followers to do together, not alone.
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 11:17-26
The Lord's Supper is about:
1. the unity in Jesus' body.
We don't come to the table of the Lord's Supper with divided hearts.
2. the sacrifice of Jesus' body.
The assurance of forgiveness of our sins is sealed by the blood of Jesus.
During the Passover, it didn't matter how many or how few sins the oldest child had committed. It had everything to do with the blood on the doorpost.
3. the return of Jesus' body.
He is coming back!
Don't make the Lord's Supper a ritual.
Don't come to the table resentful.
Don't come to the table deceitful.
Do come to the table worshipful.
You'll find all posts in the Trailhead series here.