11) The Lord's Supper
The meaning and practice of the communion service
The Lord’s Supper is a sacred memorial instituted by Jesus. In this lesson, we will study the deep meaning of this ordinance and how we should participate in it.
The Institution of the Supper
When did Jesus institute the Lord's Supper?
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Answer: On the night before His crucifixion, at the last Passover
Matthew 26:26-28: "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
What did Jesus say the bread represents?
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Answer: His body given for us
1 Corinthians 11:24: "And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."
What does the wine (grape juice) represent?
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Answer: The blood of Jesus, of the new covenant, shed for the remission of sins
Matthew 26:28: "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
“The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, DA 652.3
The Purpose of the Supper
Why should we participate in the Supper?
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Answer: To do this in remembrance of Jesus
1 Corinthians 11:24-25: "And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."
What do we proclaim when we participate in the Supper?
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Answer: The death of the Lord, until He comes
1 Corinthians 11:26: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come."
Preparation for the Supper
How should we prepare for the Supper?
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Answer: Let a man examine himself before he partakes
1 Corinthians 11:28: "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup."
What is the danger of participating unworthily?
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Answer: He eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body
1 Corinthians 11:29: "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body."
Foot Washing
What did Jesus do before instituting the Supper?
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Answer: He washed the disciples' feet
John 13:4-5: "He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded."
Why did Jesus wash the disciples' feet?
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Answer: To give an example of humility and service
John 13:14-15: "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
“By the act of our Lord this humiliating ceremony was made a consecrated ordinance.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, DA 650.2
What must we do to be blessed?
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Answer: If, knowing these things, we do them
John 13:17: "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."
And Now?
The Lord’s Supper is a sacred moment:
- It is a memorial: We remember Jesus’ death for us
- It requires preparation: We must examine our hearts
- It includes foot washing: A symbol of humility and service
- It points to the future: Until Jesus comes again
My Decision
I understand that the Lord’s Supper is a sacred memorial of Jesus’ death for me. I desire to participate in this ordinance with a prepared heart, recognizing Christ’s sacrifice and expressing my faith in His return.