In this study we consider the other, known by various names such as 'The Lord's Supper', 'The Holy Communion' and 'The Breaking of Bread', among others.
Baptism is an opportunity for affirming
personal identification with Christ.
The Lord's Supper is an opportunity
for affirming our communal fellowship in obedience to Him.
It is so sad that many 'professing Christian Churches' have interpreted these commands in so many different ways; indeed many have added other commandments.
We have heard of them being as 'not necessary today', as 'optional extras if so desired' or 'absolute essentials to salvation'. One factor which ought to be borne in mind is that, originally, these 'means of grace' were not so complicated or ritualistic as they have been made in many churches today. Man tends to add from his own mind to the simplicity that was known in the early churches.
In its simplest form, the Lord's Supper was carried out in the homes of the early Christians. (see Acts 2: 46).
Like baptism, the Lord's Supper is a visual presentation. It is an outward and visible sign with an inward and spiritual meaning.
Exodus 13: 8
Notice it was intended to be a 'sign' - a looking back at the great
deliverance that GOD had given them when they were set free from Egypt.
Deuteronomy16:1-8
This service of remembrance was unquestionably intended to be a picture
of Christ's redemptive work for us (1
Corinthians 5:7, 8).
Just as God had intervened in a miraculous way to set His people free from the slavery they had suffered in Egypt, so God the Son intervened in time - lived, died and rose again in order to obtain eternal redemption for us. It is fitting that we should remember this frequently.
Seeing it is part of the central truth of Christianity, it should not be undertaken thoughtlessly, hurriedly, or in a too familiar way. It is a time when, figuratively if not literally, we should 'take off the shoes from off our feet' and 'let our words be few'. There is such a thing as restrained enthusiasm in worship and praise - when the LORD sees the heart.
Matthew 26:26-29
Notice the two symbols that the Lord Jesus Christ took in His hands.
Consider how common, easily available, universally used, how perfect in
their teaching.
What did He say they represented? Why could not the bread actually
be His body? What is meant by 'for the remission
of sins'?
Mark 14:22-25
These verses suggest that, just as Jesus celebrated the first 'Lord's
Supper', so will He partake of the last with them. The supper is linked
with His return.
Luke 22:19, 20
We see again the simple reminder service, and verse
15 tells us it is not for our desire only that we meet.
JESUS, LORD, we know Thee present At Thy table freshly spread,
Seated at Thy priceless banquet, With Thy banner overhead:
Precious moments at Thy table,
From all fear and doubt set free;
Here to rest, we now are able,
Occupied alone with Thee.Oh, what joy it is to see Thee In these chosen emblems here;
In the bread and wine of blessing - Bread to strengthen, Wine to cheer!
LORD, behold us met together,
One in Thee, our risen Head,
Thus We take the cup of blessing,
Thus We share the broken bread.
Acts 20:7
The Lord's Supper at Troas was held weekly.
Other important aspects to consider:
| 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 | 1 Corinthians 11:27-34 |
A simple, reverent remembrance service held each week which resembles the early church practice is not easy to find today. Some are more ritualistic, others more informal or with bands to encourage the worship and praise. However, such simple New Testament services can be found by enquiry.