The Lord’s Supper

INTRODUCTION

In this session, we will look at one of the distinctive characteristics of the Lord’s Church: the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper. Many churches have abandoned this practice today or observe it on special days only. What is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper, and why do we observe it every week?

ORIGIN OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

1. The Passover
   1. Israel observed the Passover
      (Exodus 12:1-13)
   2. Jesus observed the Passover
      (Matthew 26:17-30)

2. Jesus, Our Passover Lamb
   1. 1 Corinthians 5:7
   2. Jesus’ sacrifice is once for all time
      (Hebrews 9:11-10:18)

NAMES FOR THE SUPPER

1. Lord’s Table
   (1 Corinthians 10:21)

2. Lord’s Supper
   (1 Corinthians 11:20-21)

3. Breaking Bread
   (Acts 20:7)

MEANING OF THE SUPPER

1. Memorial
   1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
   2. This memorial does not have a physical statue or monument. It is simply a memorial of His body and blood...given for us on the cross.

2. Communion or participation
   1. The word “communion” comes from the Greek word, kononia, which means “fellowship or participation.”
   2. 1 Corinthians 10:16

3. Covenant
   1. Jesus tells His disciples that His blood is the blood of the covenant. Matthew 26:28
   2. Remember the promise of a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31
   3. Hebrews 9:15; 10:13-18

4. Proclamation
   1. The Greek word for “proclaim” is kataggelo, which means “to tell thoroughly.”
   2. In observing the Lord’s Supper, we tell the whole story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
   3. When we do not observe the Supper, we do not proclaim His importance in our lives.

PARTAKING IN A WORTHY MANNER

1. Concern for unity in the body
   (1 Corinthians 11:17-22)

2. Recognition of the body and blood of the Lord
   (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)

OBSERVANCE ON FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK

1. Resurrection on the first day of the week
   (John 20:1)

2. Church began on the first day of the week (Pentecost)
   (Acts 2:42)

3. Church in Troas assembled on the first day of the week to break bread.
   (Acts 20:7)

4. Church in Corinth came together on the first day of the week for the Lord’s Supper.
   (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)

OPEN COMMUNION

1. We do not presume to know the hearts of those assembled to worship. Therefore, we do not restrict individuals from observing the Lord’s Supper.

2. We teach our children the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. However, our children do not participate in the eating of the bread or drinking the fruit of the vine until they have been baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins.

CONCLUSION

The Lord’s Supper is one of the distinctive features of the New Testament church. As followers and disciples of Christ, we consider the observance of this memorial feast an honor and privilege.

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Iron Mountain-Kingsford church of Christ, 405 North Balsam St, Kingsford, MI 49802 - 906-779-9477