The Significance of the Lord's Supper

The Significance of the Lord’s Supper
Matthew 26:26-30

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Despite any differences we may have the Lord’s Supper is celebrated by Christians all over the world.

1. The Names are significant.

• Lord’s Supper: For those who are truly Disciples
• Eucharist: Thanksgiving
• Communion: Relationship/Community

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:13–14)

2. The Symbolism is significant.

• Bread: The Body of Christ
• Cup: The Blood of Christ

“without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22b)

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” (Romans 5:8–9)

These symbols remind us of the extraordinary lengths God was willing to go to seek us!

3. The Purpose is significant.

• Look backward with Gratitude/Thanksgiving
• Look inward with Reflection/Repentance
• Look outward with Forgiveness/Reconciliation
• Look forward with Anticipation/Celebration

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:27–28)

Reflection for Personal Preparation:

• Am I truly a follower of Jesus Christ? Have I turned from sin and self and trusted in Christ and Christ alone as the forgiver of my sin and the leader and Lord of my life?
• Does my life reflect the love, power and presence of Christ? Does my life consistently display the fruit of the Spirit? Do I live with a spirit of gratitude toward God?
• Is there any relationship where I need to seek or extend forgiveness and if possible reconciliation?
• Did I live this past week in light of eternity? How am I going to live this day, this week, with the awareness of the coming return of Christ and eternal life beyond this present world?