The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper

You may not know this but Jesus never asked His disciples to remember His birth. But He did instruct them to remember His death and resurrection. He gave the church two visible symbols (some people call these “ordinances”) as reminders of His death. These two ordinances are: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers.

Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper during His last Passover Meal with His disciples. The Passover is the Jewish Feast remembering God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the establishing of Covenant of Moses.

It was in the midst of this Old Covenant celebration that Jesus began something carried over into  the New Covenant.

 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26-28

The Lord Jesus gave us this simple ceremony to remind us of His suffering, His death, and what that death means: Forgiveness of sins, freedom from guilt, and a new covenant (relationship) with God.

In 1 Corinthians Paul tells us four other important things about the Lord’s Supper

1) It is a simple act – not an elaborate ceremony.

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,  1 Cor. 11:23. You’ll note the lack of any elaboration on Jesus’ part. He just took the bread and broke it!

2) It Is A Reminder.

and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."  1 Cor. 11:24. We are to remember not only what happened, but what it means!

3) It Is A Symbol.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."  1 Cor. 11:25. Some people argue about this – but it’s obvious Jesus reference to His blood was symbolic since at the moment He said this – His blood was still in His body!

4) It Is A Statement of Faith.

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.  1 Cor. 11:26. The Lord’s Supper is not only a look back – at Christ’s death and resurrection, but also a look forward to His Second Coming! The Lord’s Supper is a statement and an act of hope!

Who Should Take The Lord’s Supper?

Only those who are already Believers. The Apostle Paul wrote: For if you eat the bread or drink the cup unworthily, not honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself. 1 Cor. 11:29 (NLT).  Obviously you cannot properly honor the broken body of Christ unless you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior.

To do otherwise is to dishonor His great sacrifice!

At Christ’s Church we do not stop anyone from taking the Lord’s Supper however. We celebrate an Open Communion – it’s up to you to decide whether or not you are honoring Christ in a worthy way before you partake. Indeed, you are the only one who can.

We do not judge you, we do not invite you – we only make it available to you, so that you may do what you believe is best.

How Do I Prepare Myself To Take The Lord’s Supper?

A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.  1 Cor. 11:27-28. Here’s some suggestions for preparing yourself for the Lord’s Supper.

1)            Self-examination - 1 Cor. 11:27

2)            Confessing my sins - 1^st John 1:9

3)            Recommitment - Rom. 12:1

4)            Restoring Relationships - Matt. 5:23-24

How Often Should I Take The Lord’s Supper?

Jesus never said when or how often believers should observe the Lord’s Supper. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Cor. 11:25

At Christ’s Church on the River we observe the Lord’s Supper every Sunday morning, and on special occasions (Easter, Christmas Eve) in the evenings as well. The important thing to remember is the condition of your heart when you take the Supper - not what the clock or the calendar says!

What About My Children and the Lord’s Supper?

When Should My Child Take the Lord’s Supper?

Like you, your child should take the Lord’s Supper after he or she has accepted Christ and been baptized in obedience to His Word. Until then he or she can’t give the proper reverence to Him during the Supper.

At Christ’s Church on the River we do not bar your children from taking the Lord’s Supper. We believe that as parents it is your responsibility and we leave it up to you to decide whether or not your child is ready to take it. If you have questions you may talk to Louie or any member of the Steering Committee at any time.

How Do I Explain This To My Child?

Perhaps the best way to explain this to a child is to say something like this:

“The Lord’s Supper isn’t a snack or a treat, it’s something very special and is a grown up thing. It’s for those who are old enough to understand Christ and have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior. When you are old enough to understand this and are ready to give your life to Christ, we’ll know, get you baptized and then you can take the Lord’s Supper as well. Until that time please sit quietly as the trays are passed and pray.”