For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 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.” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Establishing the Remembrance
When we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we are called to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. This sacred act is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt acknowledgment of Christ’s body broken for our sake. It serves as a reminder of His enduring love and the grace poured out for us. As we gather around the table, we should reflect on the depth of His sacrifice and recognize the unity we share as the body of Christ. Each element we consume is symbolic, guiding us to appreciate the significance of His love and sacrifice. Our connection with Him is deepened when we participate in this holy meal, allowing it to inspire gratitude and change in our everyday lives.
Matthew 26:26
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” – Matthew 26:26
1 Corinthians 10:16
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? – 1 Corinthians 10:16
Luke 22:19
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
John 6:51
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” – John 6:51
Mark 14:22
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” – Mark 14:22
Celebration of the Covenant
In the act of sharing the Lord’s Supper, we celebrate the new covenant God has made with us through Christ. This covenant is a promise of forgiveness and renewal, highlighting the relationship we cultivate with Him through faith. The Lord’s Supper becomes a time where we reflect on this covenant, thanking Him for his commitment to us. We share not only in the tangible bread and wine but in the spirit of community that ties us together as believers. Each time we partake, we declare our trust in Jesus and His promise of eternal life, reminding ourselves of what binds us together — the portion of His unbreakable love.
Luke 22:20
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” – Luke 22:20
Hebrews 9:15
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance — now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. – Hebrews 9:15
1 Corinthians 11:25
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.” – 1 Corinthians 11:25
2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. – 2 Corinthians 3:6
Jeremiah 31:31
The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.” – Jeremiah 31:31
Unity in Christ
As we gather to partake in the Lord’s Supper, we celebrate our unity as the body of Christ. It is a powerful reminder that we are not merely individuals but part of a larger family that spans across nations and generations. Each time we break bread together, we affirm our bond as fellow believers, encouraging one another and sharing in both joy and sorrow. This sacred act helps us to remember that our diversity is a beautiful aspect of the kingdom of God, where every individual is valued and significant. Our unity in Him strengthens us in our journey of faith, reminding us that together, we can accomplish His purpose in the world.
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. – Acts 2:42
Ephesians 4:3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3
1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:14
Romans 12:5
So in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – Romans 12:5
Spiritual Nourishment
When we participate in the Lord’s Supper, we receive spiritual nourishment as individuals and as a community. It rejuvenates our faith and encourages our spirits. Each time we come together for this purpose, we are reminded that Christ is the bread of life. He fills us with everything we need to sustain our faith in Him and keep moving forward. This sacred meal provides us with strength in moments of weakness and feeds our soul with hope and grace. As we partake, we should approach the table with open hearts, ready to receive all that He has to offer to guide us in our spiritual journey.
John 6:35
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” – John 6:35
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. – Matthew 5:6
Revelation 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. – Revelation 3:20
1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. – 1 Peter 2:2
Ephesians 3:16
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. – Ephesians 3:16
The Call to Forgiveness
The Lord’s Supper emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our faith journey. As we partake, we are reminded of the forgiveness we have received through Christ. This calling extends to us, encouraging us to forgive those who have wronged us. When we share in the bread and the cup, it challenges us to examine our hearts and resolve any bitterness or unresolved issues. This act overlaps with our commitment to live in peace with one another, reinforcing our understanding of Christ’s unconditional love. Embracing forgiveness transforms our relationships and deepens our spiritual walk with God.
Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. – Matthew 6:14
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. – Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. – Luke 6:37
The Call to Examine Ourselves
As we prepare for the Lord’s Supper, there’s an important call for self-examination. We are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on our lives, our relationship with Christ, and how we have treated others. This step is crucial as it helps us address unresolved issues that may hinder our communion with God and with one another. Understanding that the Lord’s Supper is sacred, we should not take it lightly. We want to approach the table with a clear conscience, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation where needed. This self-reflection keeps our walk with Him authentically aligned and helps us grow in our faith community.
1 Corinthians 11:28
Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. – 1 Corinthians 11:28
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test? – 2 Corinthians 13:5
Galatians 6:4
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. – Galatians 6:4
Psalms 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalms 139:23-24
Lamentations 3:40
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. – Lamentations 3:40
Faith and Assurance
Finally, the Lord’s Supper is a profound expression of our faith and assurance in Christ. Each time we participate, we are declaring our belief in His death, resurrection, and the gift of eternal life. It strengthens our faith and solidifies the promises of God in our lives. Through this holy communion, we affirm our hope and confidence in Him, knowing that He is faithful to bring about His purpose for us. We can approach the table with joy and peace, resting in the assurance that He is our Savior, and through Him, we have all we need for our spiritual walk.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1
1 John 5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. – 1 John 5:13
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6
2 Timothy 1:12
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. – 2 Timothy 1:12
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded of its profound significance in our faith. It is a time of remembrance, unity, spiritual nourishment, and forgiveness, inviting us to examine our hearts. Through this holy act, we celebrate our covenant with God and acknowledge the assurance we have through Christ. Participating in this sacred meal is a transformative experience that shapes our relationship with Him and each other. Together, let us cherish this opportunity to draw near to God, celebrating the love, mercy, and grace He has provided for us.
We encourage you to explore more topics to deepen your relationship with God. You can read about bible verses about prayer and learn more about the role of priests in guiding us closer to His heart.
May our time in communion lead us to a place of deeper faith and connection.