The Church Jesus Established
Lesson 9 - Observing
the The Lord's Supper
Details of the institution of the Lord's supper are found in I Corinthians 11:23-34; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; and Luke 22:19-20.
The Origin of the Lord's Supper
Jesus instituted it at the Passover just before His death (1 Cor. 11:23-25; Luke 22:14-23; Mark 14:17-26; Matt. 26:20-30). The Passover was given to remind the Hebrews about how the Lord passed over their houses with blood on the lintels, and spared the first born in those houses (Ex. 12:26-27). The Passover observance was a type or shadow of what was coming (I Cor. 5:7). After observing the Passover, an Old Testament act of worship, Jesus instituted the Lord's supper. The setting of the Lord's supper at a time other than Sunday was unique because of its connection with the Passover.
From a look at all accounts, we can see that saints are to assemble together on the first day of the week to observe the Lord's supper. They are to give thanks for the bread, and partake of it (I Cor. 11:24). Then give thanks for the cup, and partake of it (I Cor. 11:25).
The Purpose of the Lord's Supper
The Lord's supper should cause us to reflect:
Efforts to make it an occasion for a common feast or to satisfy physical hunger and thirst are abuses of the Lord's supper (1 Cor. 11:20,22,34).
The Elements of the Lord's Supper
When Jesus speaks of the bread and the cup as "This is my body" and "This is by blood" we understand that those are figures of speech. When Jesus said, "I am the vine, your are the branches", he was using the same figure of speech. Let it be understood that there are not mystical or magical powers in the emblems. These two elements serve to remind us of the death of Jesus on the cross for the remission of our sins.
The Bread.
The Supper was instituted in a Jewish house that was observing the Passover or Feast of
Unleavened Bread. During this feast, all leaven had to be put out of the house according
the Law of Moses (Exodus 12-13; Deut. 16:1-8). Therefore it
is necessarily inferred that the bread of the Lord's Supper was unleavened.
The Cup or "fruit of the vine".
This was fruit of the grape vine liquefied so it could be drunk.
Some have suggested that there must literally be one cup. But the term "cup" is a figure of speech called metonymy: "Use of the name of one thing for that of another associated with or suggested by it. (example: `'the White House has decided' for `the President has decided')". In this case "cup" is used for the contents, the fruit of the vine. "Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, `Take this and divide it among yourselves". Did they divide the contents or the container? "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup". Do we drink the container or the contents?
The Time for the Lord's Supper
As mentioned earlier, the institution of the Lord's supper was done on Thursday evening because of its connection with the Passover. There is no scriptural or historical evidence that the Lord's Supper was every observed by the early church on Thursday. When the church was established, the day for observing the Lord's Supper was the "first day of the week" (Acts 20:7). How appropriate! Jesus arose on first day of the week (Mk. 16:9; Matt. 28:1; John 20:21). Jesus appeared to disciples on the first day (John 20:19,26). The church began on the first day of the week. (Acts 2 - Pentecost was on first day, Lev. 23:11,15). Some "religious" people only partake of the supper when they feel the need. Others have the idea that the Supper can be observed any day of the week.
Some suggest that the Lord's supper can be taken monthly, weekly, or annually. The Hebrews were to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy (Ex. 20:8). The Bible student understands that each Sabbath was to be observed. It logically follows then, that every first day of the week is set aside as a day to observe the Lord's supper.
It is interesting that the Didache (a second century book written to instruct Christians) states "Having earlier confessed your sins so that your sacrifice may be pure, come together each Lord's day of the Lord, break bread, and give thanks." Also, Justin Martyr (who died in 150 A.D.) wrote, "On the Lord's Day all Christians in the city or country meet together, because that is the day of the Lord's resurrection; and then we read the Apostles and Prophets…then we all join in prayer, and after that we celebrate the Lord's Supper."
The Place for the Lord's Supper
It is in the kingdom (Matt. 26:29) The statement of Jesus can refer to nothing but the fact that when the kingdom,or church, was established (fifty days after his death) the presence of Jesus would be with Christians when they gathered as His church to commemorate His death.
The place for the Lord's supper is in the assembly of the local church. Every observance of the Lord's supper by early Christians was when the church was assembled (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17ff).
Scriptural Names for the Lord's Supper
The fruit of the vine can scripturally be referred to as "the cup of blessing" (I Cor. 10:16), and the "cup of the Lord" (v. 21).
Sometimes called "Eucharist" which means "good thanks". Called "Sacrament" meaning "an oath". The Bible gives it neither of these names nor the significance suggested by them. Another name used by some: "Mass" where priests drink cup, others eat bread. These names are not Biblical, and should not be used by New Testament Christians!
Questions:1. If Jesus observed the Passover, why do we not observe it today?
2. Can you describe some connections between the Passover, the Lord's death, and the Lord's Supper?
3. Would it be scriptural to eliminate one of the elements of the Supper or add a different element?
4. The Bible never says to partake of the Lord's Supper EVERY first day of the week.
5. Why then would it be wrong to partake monthly or yearly?
[ Introduction
- The Pattern Concept] [Lesson 1 - Defining The Church] [Lesson 2 - Authority Over The Church]
[Lesson
3 - How Scripture Authorizes (Pt. 1)] [Lesson 4 - How Scripture Authorizes (Pt. 2)] [Lesson 5 - The Universal - The Local Church]
[Lesson 6 - Church Not A Denomination]
[Lesson 7 - Timeline - Church's
Establishment] [Lesson
8 - Worship Christ Designed]
[Lesson 10 - Worshipping in Song]
[Lesson 11 - Worshipping in Prayer]
[Lesson 12 - The All-Sufficient Church]
[Lesson 13 - Elders]
[14 - Deacons ] [Lesson 15 - Evangelists ] [Lesson 16 - The Social Gospel]
[Lesson 17
-Benevolence-According to the Pattern]
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This page last updated: October 27, 1999