The Meaning and Purpose of the Lord’s Supper

PASTOR Don Loose

1 Corinthians 11:17-29

Introduction:  Two Ordinances of the Church
> Baptism: a one-time ordinance tied to the individual believer’s entrance into the faith
> The Lord’s Supper: a repeated ordinance tied to the community of believers’ continuance in the faith

Five Questions about the Lord’s Supper:
1. Why do we call it the Lord’s Supper?
> Because it is so designated in Scripture (1 Cor. 11:20)
> Because it was instituted by the Lord Jesus himself (v. 23)

2. Why does the church practice the Lord’s Supper with regularity or repeatedly?
> We need a continued, or repeated, remembrance of Jesus’ death for us. (Luke 22:19)
> Whenever you drink it (1 Cor. 11:25) suggests repetition
> Until he comes (1 Cor. 11:26) implies perpetuity

3. How do the elements of bread and wine represent the significance of Jesus’ death for us?
> The Bread: Jesus’ body that could suffer, feel pain, be broken, and die.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross.” (1 Peter 2:24)
> The Wine: One cup, one way, one Savior, one sacrifice, one lamb, one blood
“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 26:27-28)

4. What benefit accompanies those who partake of the Lord’s Supper?
> Not in the mere act of eating and drinking
> But in remembering Jesus’ death, reflecting on its significance, and renewal of our worship and surrender to Jesus
“Do this in remembrance of me.”

5. Who should participate in the Lord’s Supper?
> Genuine believers
> Living lives of surrender and obedience
> Free of flagrant sin
> Maturity to discern the significance of Christ’s death