What the Point of the Lord's Supper?

Old Testament Background

The Passover was celebrated in Old Testament times, and once a year in the Temple in Jesus’ day, to remember God’s deliverance of his people from slavery in Egypt. The story is told in the Book of Exodus.

• Kill a lamb

“Each man is to take a lamb for his family … All the people … must slaughter them at twilight. Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the door-frames of the houses where they eat the lambs. That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast.” Exodus 12:3, 6–8

• “I will pass over you”

“… 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. 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.” Exodus 12:12–13

The Passover and the Lord’s Supper

Jesus linked the eating of the Passover meal with his disciples to his own suffering.

“He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.’ ” Luke 22:15

The first Lord’s Supper was when Jesus transformed the Passover. Matthew tells us exactly what happened:

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’ ” Matthew 26:26–28

Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb

There are many obvious symbols surrounding the Lord’s Supper which were clearly not lost on his followers.

The Lamb

• “Christ, our Passover lamb,” writes Paul. 1 Corinthians 5:7

• John the Baptist, on seeing Jesus: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

• Peter writes about “the precious blood of Christ.” He says that Jesus was the perfect sacrificial lamb, “a lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Peter 1:19

The Bread and Wine

Jesus broke the bread and handed around a cup of wine. This symbolized his own body, which would also shortly be broken, and his own blood, which would soon be shed.

Different Names

In the contemporary Christian Church, the Lord’s Supper is called a variety of different names.

• The Lord’s Supper.

• Holy Communion.

• Agape.

• Fellowship meal.

• Love feast.

• Eucharist (thanksgiving).

• Breaking of bread.

Why Do We Have Lord’s Supper Services Today?

Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19

The first Christians usually came together on the first day of the week to break bread. See Acts 20:7.

“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Acts 2:46

Paul warned the Christians at Corinth not to take part in the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner:

“A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” 1 Corinthians 11:28–29

II. GUIDANCE CONCERNING COMMUNION (11:17–34): The Corinthian believers are not observing the Lord’s Table as they should.

A. The perversion (11:17–22)

1. They separate into their own little groups (11:17–20).

2. They share with no one else (11:21–22).

B. The pattern (11:23–25): Paul describes the original Lord’s Supper as conducted by Jesus in the upper room.

1. What the Savior did (11:23, 25a)

a. He held up the bread (11:23).

b. He held up the cup (11:25a).

2. What the Savior said (11:24, 25b)

a. Concerning the bread (11:24): “This is my body, which is given for you.”

b. Concerning the cup (11:25b): “This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood.”

C. The purpose (11:26, 28): Any Lord’s Table involves a threefold look.

1. It serves as a backward look to the cross (11:26a).

2. It serves as an inward look to the conscience (11:28).

3. It serves as a forward look to the crown (11:26b).

D. The penalty (11:27, 29–30): Any believer who partakes in an unworthy manner is guilty and risks punishment.

1. To eat and drink God’s judgment on oneself (11:27–29)

2. To be divinely judged with physical sickness (11:30a)

3. To be divinely judged with physical death (11:30b)

E. The profit (11:31–34)

1. It can be used for judging ourselves (11:31–32).

2. It can be used for giving ourselves (11:33–34).