Reading: The Lord's Supper by Ordained Leaders (Slides)

The Lord’s Supper

Henry Reyenga

Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper

Matthew 26:26-28  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. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord's Supper as a sacrament was commanded and thus instituted by Christ himself, as Paul reports in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (see also Matthew 26:26-29 and parallel Gospel texts).

Instituting Scripture

1 Corinthians 11:23-25    For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,  24 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.” 25 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.”

Historic Christian Themes 

The Lord's Supper is a thanksgiving to God (eucharist). 

the Christian ceremony commemorating the Last Supper, in which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed.

the consecrated elements, especially the bread.

Historic Christian Themes 

The Lord's Supper is a memorial of Christ (anamnesis). 

Recollection, in particular, the remembering of things or a person and the meaning of its significance.

Historic Christian Themes 

The Lord's Supper is a participation in the body and the blood of Christ. 

Historic Christian Themes 

The Lord's Supper signifies the work of the Spirit (epiclesis). 

The epiclesis exampled in The United Methodist Church

"Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,

and on these gifts of bread and wine.

Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,

that we may be for the world the body of Christ,

redeemed by his blood.

By your Spirit make us one with Christ,

one with each other,..." (UMH; pages 10, 14).^[12]

Historic Christian Themes 

The Lord's Supper symbolizes the unity of the church in all times and places. 

Historic Christian Themes 

The Lord's Supper seals the present and coming kingdom of God. 

“I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 

                                                     Matthew 26:29

The Lord's Supper includes four actions:

--taking bread and wine

--giving thanks over them

--breaking the bread/pouring the wine

--sharing among God's people.

What does memorial mean? 

The memorial of Christ refers to his entire life and ministry, his death, resurrection, ascension, and return.

Philippians 2:8-11     And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Leading the Lord’s Supper

Ordained leaders

1 Corinthians 11:27     Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.

Serious Side of Communion

1 Corinthians 11:28-29     A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.  For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 

Celebrating Communion at House Churches

Prayer or Worship Song

Believer’s Meal: Supervised Meal

Five Minute Biblical Encouragement

Passing Out and Partaking of Elements

Closing Prayer or Meditative Worship Song