The Church: Remembering Jesus in the Lord's Supper

The first Lord’s Supper took place during the feast of Passover.

During the Exodus, the blood of a spotless lamb was to be applied to the doorposts of the home. At midnight the death angel would take the firstborn of each household, unless the blood was upon the doorposts.

And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.Exodus 12:29-31

The Passover Feast was a remembrance of God’s liberation of the children of Israel from the slavery of Egypt.

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:Exodus 13:14

The Passover meal was only for Jews, God’s chosen people.

And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: But every man’s servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.Exodus 12:43-45

The unleavened bread was a picture of the flight from Egypt.

And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.Exodus 12:39

The cup represented the blood of the Passover lamb.

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.Exodus 12:23

#The Passover Meal had no supernatural power, but was a time to reflect, remember and praise.

#The Lord’s Supper took this Jewish custom and transformed it into a beautiful way for the New Testament church to remember and honor Jesus.

The unleavened bread is now a symbol of the body of Jesus.

The cup is now a symbol of the blood of Jesus.

This is not a jubilant celebration, but a holy time of consideration.

The Lord’s Supper is about remembrance and contemplation.

Remember what Jesus has done.

Remember that Jesus is coming again.

The Lord’s Supper is about repentance and consecration.

Consequences for Misuse

Judgment Sickness Death

Differences in Administration

How often?

In what setting? Open Communion Close Communion Closed Communion

With What Elements?

In What Manner?