1. Each year at this time we remember in a special way the sacrifices that have been made by so many on behalf of our country. 2. Perhaps this is a good time for us to study passages that teach us what we need to know about the Lord's Supper. 3. When Jesus gave instructions for His Supper He said, "this do in remembrance of me." 4. The Lord's Supper: a. helps us to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf b. provides an opportunity for us to show the Lord how much we appreciate His sacrifice. 5. Let us first examine . . .
Discussion:
I. PASSAGES THAT TELL ABOUT THE OCCASION WHEN JESUS ATE HIS SUPPER WITH HIS APOSTLES
A. In addition to Luke 22:19-20, let us read: 1. from the Gospels -- Matthew 26:26-29 and Mark 14:22-25 2. from the epistles -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-25. B. These passages: 1. reveal the elements of the Lord's Supper -- unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine a. Concerning the bread: 1) Jesus said, "this is my body" 2) it is "the communion of the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:16). b. Concerning the fruit of the vine: 1) Jesus said, "this is my blood of the new testament" 2) it is "the communion of the blood of Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:16). 2. reveal the purpose for eating the Lord's Supper a. It is to be eaten in His memory. b. We "shew [proclaim] the Lord's death" (1 Corinthians 11:26). c. According to 1 Corinthians 11:27, 29, a failure to eat the Lord's Supper properly is a serious offense. 3. reveal that the Lord's Supper is to be eaten in the Father's kingdom [the church]. a. Eating the Lord's Supper is an act of Christian worship. b. The Lord is present when His people assemble (Matthew 18:20). C. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. PASSAGES THAT REVEAL WHEN THE LORD'S SUPPER IS TO BE EATEN
A. It is not recorded that Jesus commanded a specific time when His Supper is to be eaten, but He did say that it would be eaten in His Father's kingdom. B. Let us keep in mind that Jesus instructed the apostles to teach His followers to "observe all things that He had commanded them" (Matthew 28:19-20). C. We learn from: 1. Acts 2:42 that the members of the Jerusalem congregation were steadfast in [gave constant attention to] eating the Lord's Supper 2. Acts 20:6-7 that the Christians in Troas ate the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week [the apostle Paul was present to endorse this practice]. D. The Lord's Supper is to be eaten on the first day of the week when the church assembles for worship.
Conclusion:
1. Jesus instructed His followers to eat His Supper so we would always remember His sacrifice. 2. When we eat the Supper properly we show our love and appreciation to the Lord for the death that He suffered on our behalf. 3. Let us close by reading Matthew 27:29-40.
