1. Recently we have been reminded in a very graphic way that manmade monuments and statues do not last forever. 2. In these verses we read about a memorial that is everlasting -- "the Lord's Supper." a. The Lord's Supper is a memorial in that it is to be eaten in memory of Christ -- "in remembrance of me." b. The Lord's Supper is an everlasting memorial in that it is to be eaten until he returns -- "till he come." 3. In our lesson we are studying passages that teach us what we need to know about the Lord's everlasting memorial. 4. Let us first point out how . . .
Discussion:
I. JESUS GAVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBSERVING HIS EVERLASTING MEMORIAL SHORTLY BEFORE HE WAS CRUCIFIED
A. Jesus ate His final Passover meal with His disciples (Matthew 26:1-2, 17-25). 1. Passover was one of the three great feasts observed by the Jews each year. 2. It provided a time for the Jews to remember what God had done for them in Egypt when He brought the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, upon the Egyptians. 3. The Passover meal was eaten in the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month (Exodus 12:3-14). 4. This meal consisted of roast lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. 5. A seven-day feast followed in which the Jews were not allowed to eat anything containing leaven (Exodus 12:15). B. Jesus gave instructions for His Supper on the occasion when He ate His final Passover meal with His disciples (Matthew 26:26-29). 1. Jesus chose unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine as the elements of His Supper. 2. This is also revealed in Mark 14:22-25 and Luke 22:19-20. C. The purpose of the Lord's Supper is to help His followers remember His sacrifice. 1. It is a memorial of Christ (Luke 22:19). 2. It is the communion of the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16). 3. It is the showing forth of the Lord's death (1 Corinthians 11:26). D. Jesus said that His Supper would be eaten in His Father's kingdom (the church) that would soon be established (Matthew 4:17; 16:18-19).
II. THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US WHEN THE LORD'S EVERLASTING MEMORIAL IS TO BE OBSERVED
A. We learn from Acts 2:42 that the members of the Jerusalem congregation "continued steadfastly in" [gave constant attention to] "breaking of bread." B. We learn from Acts 20:6-7 that the Christians in Troas ate the Lord's Supper on "the first day of the week." 1. Paul, an inspired apostle, was present to endorse this practice. 2. This is important because: a. the apostles were responsible for teaching everything that Jesus taught them (Matthew 28:20) b. we must only do those things that the Lord has authorized us to do (Colossians 3:17). C. "The first day of the week" is the authorized time to eat the Lord's Supper.
III. THE LORD'S EVERLASTING MEMORIAL MUST BE OBSERVED PROPERLY (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)
Conclusion:
1. We recently observed Memorial Day [an annual observance] in our country. 2. How blessed we are to be able to remember each Lord's Day what the Lord did for us and to let Him know we appreciate what He did!
