T2L7 The Lord's Supper [Discipleship Class]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- 7 days ago
- 11 min read
THE HOUSE OF FAITH CHURCH | REPLUM DISCIPLESHIP COURSE
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LESSON 20: THE LORD'S SUPPER
KEY VERSE TO MEMORIZE
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." - 1 Corinthians 11:26
LESSON OVERVIEW
The Lord's Supper, also called Communion, is the second ordinance that Jesus gave to His church. Like baptism, it's a symbolic act that carries deep spiritual meaning. Through sharing bread and the cup, believers remember Christ's sacrificial death, proclaim the gospel, and look forward to His return. Today we'll study what Jesus taught about this important observance and how the church should practice it.
JESUS INSTITUTED THE LORD'S SUPPER
THE LAST SUPPER
Jesus established the Lord's Supper during His final meal with the disciples:
"As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.' He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, 'All of you drink it, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.'" (Matthew 26:26-28)
"He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, 'This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.' Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'" (Luke 22:19-20)
THE CONTEXT: PASSOVER
Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper during the Passover meal:
"Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, 'Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?'" (Matthew 26:17)
"With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." (Luke 22:15)
Just as Passover commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt, the Lord's Supper commemorates our deliverance from sin.
JESUS' COMMAND
Jesus commanded His followers to continue this practice:
"Do this in memory of me." (Luke 22:19)
"Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me." (1 Corinthians 11:25)
This wasn't a suggestion but a command for the church to obey.
PAUL'S TEACHING ABOUT THE LORD'S SUPPER
RECEIVED FROM THE LORD
Paul received his understanding of the Lord's Supper directly from Christ:
"For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread. When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me.' In the same way he also took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me.'" (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
THE PURPOSE OF REMEMBRANCE
The primary purpose is to remember Christ's sacrifice:
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Every time we partake, we declare to the world what Christ accomplished.
WARNING ABOUT IMPROPER PARTICIPATION
Paul warned against participating unworthily:
"Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks the Lord's cup in a manner unworthy of the Lord will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, if he doesn't discern the Lord's body." (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)
THE MEANING OF THE ELEMENTS
THE BREAD REPRESENTS CHRIST'S BODY
The bread symbolizes Jesus' physical body given for our salvation:
"Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you." (1 Corinthians 11:24)
"But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
THE CUP REPRESENTS CHRIST'S BLOOD
The cup symbolizes Jesus' blood shed for the forgiveness of sins:
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood." (1 Corinthians 11:25)
"In him we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7)
THE NEW COVENANT
The Lord's Supper points to the new covenant established through Christ's blood:
"For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28)
"But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law." (Hebrews 8:6)
The new covenant provides what the old covenant could not - true forgiveness and cleansing from sin.
DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
SYMBOLIC VIEW
Many Protestant churches view the Lord's Supper as symbolic:
• The bread and cup remain ordinary elements
• They represent or symbolize Christ's body and blood
• The spiritual benefit comes through faith and remembrance
• This view emphasizes the memorial aspect
"Do this in memory of me." (Luke 22:19)
SPIRITUAL PRESENCE VIEW
Some churches believe Christ is spiritually present in a special way:
• Christ is present spiritually during the Lord's Supper
• The elements remain bread and wine but convey spiritual grace
• Believers receive spiritual nourishment through participation
• This view emphasizes communion with Christ
TRANSUBSTANTIATION VIEW
The Roman Catholic Church teaches transubstantiation:
• The bread and wine actually become Christ's body and blood
• The appearance remains the same but the substance changes
• This is considered a sacrifice re-presented
• This view emphasizes the real presence of Christ
RESPECTFUL UNDERSTANDING
• Christ instituted this ordinance for the church
• It commemorates His sacrificial death
• It's a means of spiritual blessing for believers
• It should be practiced with reverence and proper preparation
THE PURPOSES OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
REMEMBRANCE OF CHRIST'S DEATH
The primary purpose is to remember what Jesus did for us:
"Do this in memory of me." (Luke 22:19)
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)
This isn't just intellectual remembrance but heartfelt appreciation.
PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
The Lord's Supper is a visible sermon proclaiming Christ's death:
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Every observance declares to observers that Christ died for sinners.
FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST
Participating in the Lord's Supper provides communion with Christ:
"The cup of blessing which we bless, isn't it a sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn't it a sharing of the body of Christ?" (1 Corinthians 10:16)
This creates special fellowship between the believer and the Lord.
FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS
The Lord's Supper also creates unity among believers:
"Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf of bread." (1 Corinthians 10:17)
Sharing the same elements reminds us we are one body in Christ.
ANTICIPATION OF CHRIST'S RETURN
The Lord's Supper looks forward to Jesus' second coming:
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)
"But I tell you that 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)
SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT
The Lord's Supper provides spiritual food for believers:
"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'" (John 6:35)
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:54)
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
BELIEVERS ONLY
The Lord's Supper is for those who have trusted Christ for salvation:
"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup." (1 Corinthians 11:28)
"For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, if he doesn't discern the Lord's body." (1 Corinthians 11:29)
Self-examination requires understanding of what Christ has done.
BAPTIZED BELIEVERS
Many churches practice "closed communion," limiting participation to baptized believers:
• Baptism demonstrates public commitment to Christ
• It shows obedience to Christ's commands
• It indicates understanding of Christian discipleship
• The order in the Great Commission is baptism, then teaching
"Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)
THOSE IN GOOD STANDING
Some churches limit participation to members in good standing:
• No unrepentant sin
• No ongoing church discipline
• Active participation in church life
• Commitment to Christian living
SELF-EXAMINATION IS REQUIRED
All participants must examine themselves before partaking:
"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup." (1 Corinthians 11:28)
This examination includes:
• Confessing known sin
• Ensuring proper understanding
• Having right motives
• Being in fellowship with God and others
HOW OFTEN SHOULD IT BE OBSERVED?
NEW TESTAMENT PRACTICE
The New Testament suggests regular but not specified frequency:
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)
"They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer." (Acts 2:42)
DIFFERENT CHURCH PRACTICES
Churches observe the Lord's Supper with varying frequency:
• Weekly: Some churches observe it every Sunday
• Monthly: Many churches observe it once a month
• Quarterly: Some churches observe it four times a year
• Occasionally: Some observe it on special occasions
THE PRINCIPLE: REGULAR AND MEANINGFUL
The key is regular observance that maintains its significance:
• Frequent enough to keep Christ's death in remembrance
• Not so frequent that it becomes routine or meaningless
• With proper preparation and reverence
• In a way that builds up the church
PROPER PREPARATION AND ATTITUDE
SELF-EXAMINATION
Paul commands serious self-examination before participating:
"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup." (1 Corinthians 11:28)
This involves:
• Confessing sin: Acknowledging any known disobedience
• Examining motives: Ensuring proper reasons for participation
• Reconciling relationships: Making peace with others when possible
• Focusing on Christ: Centering thoughts on His sacrifice
PROPER UNDERSTANDING
Participants should understand what they're doing:
"For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, if he doesn't discern the Lord's body." (1 Corinthians 11:29)
"Discerning the Lord's body" means understanding:
• What Christ's death accomplished
• The significance of the elements
• The sacred nature of the ordinance
• Our union with Christ and other believers
RIGHT HEART ATTITUDE
The Lord's Supper should be approached with:
• Reverence: Recognizing its sacred nature
• Gratitude: Appreciating Christ's sacrifice
• Humility: Acknowledging our need for salvation
• Faith: Trusting in Christ's finished work
• Love: For Christ and fellow believers
DEALING WITH SIN
If sin is discovered during self-examination:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother." (Matthew 18:15)
PRACTICAL GUIDELINES
THE ELEMENTS
Churches typically use:
• Bread: Unleavened bread (like Jesus used during Passover) or regular bread
• Cup: Grape juice or wine, depending on church practice
• Individual cups: Many churches use individual cups for hygiene
• Common cup: Some churches use a shared cup following Jesus' example
THE SETTING
The Lord's Supper should be observed:
• In the context of worship
• With the church gathered together
• Led by church leadership
• With appropriate Scripture reading and explanation
• In an atmosphere of reverence and reflection
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Churches should consider:
• Shut-ins: Taking communion to members who cannot attend
• Hospital visits: Observing with seriously ill members
• New believers: Ensuring proper instruction before first participation
• Children: Teaching about the ordinance before they participate
• Visitors: Explaining the church's practice regarding participation
MAINTAINING THE FOCUS
Keep the emphasis on:
• Christ's sacrifice: The central meaning of the elements
• Personal reflection: Individual examination and response
• Corporate unity: Sharing together as the body of Christ
• Future hope: Anticipating Christ's return
• Thanksgiving: Gratitude for God's grace
KEY POINTS SUMMARY
• Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper during the Last Supper with His disciples
• The bread represents Christ's body and the cup represents His blood
• The ordinance serves multiple purposes: remembrance, proclamation, fellowship, anticipation, and nourishment
• Christians hold different views about the nature of the elements while agreeing on core meanings
• Participation should be limited to believers who understand its significance
• Proper self-examination and preparation are essential
• Churches observe the Lord's Supper with different frequencies but should maintain regularity and reverence
• The focus should always be on Christ's sacrifice and our response of faith and gratitude
SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How does participating in the Lord's Supper deepen your appreciation for Christ's sacrifice?
What areas of your life do you need to examine before participating in the Lord's Supper?
How can you better prepare your heart and mind for this sacred ordinance?
What does it mean to you that the Lord's Supper proclaims Christ's death "until he comes"?
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Prepare Your Heart: Before participating in the Lord's Supper, spend time in prayer and self-examination, confessing any known sin and focusing on Christ's sacrifice.
Study the Meaning: Deepen your understanding of what Christ accomplished through His death by studying passages about the cross and atonement.
Participate Regularly: Don't neglect this ordinance when your church observes it. Make it a priority to be present and participate with proper preparation.
Focus on Christ: During the observance, center your thoughts on Jesus' love, sacrifice, and what He has done for you personally.
Live Worthily: Let your participation in the Lord's Supper motivate you to live in a way that honors Christ's sacrifice throughout the week.
QUIZ - THE LORD'S SUPPER
Instructions: Answer all questions honestly. Check your answers with the answer key below. Calculate your score and write it in the space provided.
True or False: Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper during a regular meal with His disciples.
Fill in the blank: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you _____________ the Lord's death until he comes."
Multiple Choice: According to 1 Corinthians 11, what should believers do before participating in the Lord's Supper? a) Fast for 24 hours b) Examine themselves c) Confess to a priest d) Pay church dues
True or False: The bread represents Christ's blood and the cup represents His body.
Fill in the blank: "Do this in _____________ of me."
Multiple Choice: The Lord's Supper was instituted during which Jewish feast? a) Pentecost b) Tabernacles c) Passover d) Day of Atonement
True or False: Paul received his understanding of the Lord's Supper directly from the other apostles.
Fill in the blank: "This cup is the new _____________ in my blood."
Multiple Choice: Who should participate in the Lord's Supper? a) Anyone who wants to b) Only church members c) Believers who understand its meaning d) Only church leaders
Short Answer: What are three purposes of the Lord's Supper mentioned in this lesson?
ANSWER KEY
False (It was instituted during the Passover meal)
proclaim
b) Examine themselves
False (Bread represents His body, cup represents His blood)
memory
c) Passover
False (He received it directly from the Lord - 1 Corinthians 11:23)
covenant
c) Believers who understand its meaning
Any three: remembrance of Christ's death, proclamation of the gospel, fellowship with Christ, fellowship with believers, anticipation of Christ's return, spiritual nourishment
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