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The Lord’s Supper
Question 1: What is “The Lord’s Supper” in the New Testament?
Answer: The Lord’s Supper also known as Holy Communion, is a sacrament in Christianity that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples. During this meal, Jesus broke bread and shared wine with His followers, symbolizing His body and blood, and instructed them to do the same in remembrance of Him. The act represents His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity.
Question 2: Where in the New Testament is The Lord’s Supper instituted?
Answer: The Lord’s Supper is instituted during the Last Supper, as described in the Gospels of Matthew (26:26-28), Mark (14:22-24), Luke (22:19-20), and John (6:53-58). In these passages, Jesus breaks the bread and shares wine with His disciples, explaining the symbolism behind these elements and commanding them to partake in this practice in remembrance of Him.
Question 3: What is the significance of the bread and wine in The Lord’s Supper?
Answer: In The Lord’s Supper, the bread symbolizes Jesus’ body, and the wine represents His blood. When Jesus broke the bread and distributed the wine, He was offering His body and blood as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The bread signifies His physical body that would be broken on the cross, and the wine represents His blood that would be shed for the forgiveness of sins, establishing a new covenant of grace.
Question 4: How is The Lord’s Supper described in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26?
Answer: In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, the Apostle Paul recounts the institution of The Lord’s Supper and emphasizes its significance. Paul explains that Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took the bread, broke it, and declared, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” He then took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” Paul teaches that by partaking in The Lord’s Supper, believers proclaim the Lord’s death until He returns and should approach the sacrament with reverence and self-examination.
Question 5: Why is The Lord’s Supper important for Christians?
Answer: The Lord’s Supper is important for Christians because it is an act of remembrance, thanksgiving, and communion with Jesus Christ. It allows believers to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which brings forgiveness and reconciliation with God. It also strengthens the spiritual bond between Christ and His followers, as well as among fellow believers. The Lord’s Supper is a way to affirm faith, experience spiritual nourishment, and be reminded of the hope of Christ’s return.
Question 6: What does Jesus mean when He says, “Do this in remembrance of me”?
Answer: When Jesus says, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19), He is commanding His followers to regularly partake in the practice of The Lord’s Supper to remember His death, sacrifice, and the salvation He offers. It is not only a ritual but a deeply spiritual act that centers on Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross. By participating in The Lord’s Supper, Christians remember the central event of their faith—the death and resurrection of Jesus—and reaffirm their relationship with Him.
Question 7: How should Christians approach The Lord’s Supper?
Answer: Christians should approach The Lord’s Supper with reverence, self-examination, and humility. The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 warns against partaking in The Lord’s Supper unworthily, urging believers to examine their hearts and confess any sin before participating. The Lord’s Supper is a solemn act that requires sincere faith and repentance. It is not merely a ritual but a means of drawing closer to Christ and acknowledging His sacrifice for humanity.
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