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October 29-November 4: The institution
Lord’s Supper: A blessed and important meal
The night when Jesus first instituted the Lord’s Supper was packed with drama. With his disciples, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal, which recalled God’s dramatic rescue of the Jews from Egypt. Judas was there but would disappear, only to reappear in the Garden of Gethsemane with betrayal on his lips. In the darkness of the garden, Jesus was arrested and led off to his trial before the Jewish leaders and, later, Pilate. The next day he was crucified.
During the meal, Jesus knew all this was about to happen. Yet on this night, Jesus was thinking of his disciples and us. He began something new, placing on the lips of his dearest friends the very body and blood that would soon be given and shed for the forgiveness of the sins of the world. Clearly this gift of the Lord’s Supper was incredibly special. It mattered to Jesus. It mattered for his disciples. It matters to us.
A closer look
Other names
The Lord’s Supper is also known as the Sacrament of the Altar, the Lord’s Table, Communion, Holy Communion, the Breaking of Bread, and the Eucharist.
346. When instituting the Lord’s Supper, Jesus took earthly elements—bread and wine, gave thanks to God, and gave the bread and wine to the disciples.What did Jesus say the disciples were receiving along with the bread and wine?
Matthew 26:26-29 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.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave 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 from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Mark 14:22-24 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.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.
347. What, then, do we receive in the Lord’s Supper?
Mark 14:22,24 This is my body. . . . This is my blood.
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 11:29 Those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
God’s Word clearly teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a special supper through which we receive Jesus’ body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine.
A closer look
False beliefs
Representation. Not all Christians believe what the Bible says about the bread and wine and the body and blood in the Sacrament. Some see the bread and wine as symbols and signs. They say that the bread merely represents the body of Christ and that the wine merely represents the blood of Christ. They see the celebration of the Lord’s Supper as merely a remembrance of what Christ did on the cross rather than as a way for God to give us what Jesus won for us on the cross: the forgiveness of sins.
In the Lord’s Supper, we do remember what Christ did, but there is more. Scripture plainly teaches that we receive Christ’s true body and blood, the very price paid for our forgiveness. Jesus said so, and he has the power to give his body and blood even if we do not understand how this can be. So the Lord’s Supper is a means of grace, a tool God uses to bring his gift of forgiveness, life, and salvation to individual hearts.
Transubstantiation. This is the view held by the Catholic Church. It teaches that the earthly elements turn into body and blood and are no longer bread and wine. First Corinthians 10:16 makes it clear that the bread and body and the wine and blood all exist in the Sacrament. God says that the cup is “a participation in,” or a sharing in (a communion with), the blood and that the bread is a sharing in the body. Those who receive the Lord’s Supper, then, receive four things: bread and wine and body and blood.
The Catholic Church believes that in the Lord’s Supper, the priest is resacrificing Jesus in order to turn away God’s wrath. The Catholic Church believes this repeated sacrifice of Jesus benefits not only those who partake of the Sacrament but also those who are dead and are not yet completely purified.
The Bible teaches that sin and its consequences were paid for once and for all time when Christ died on the cross (Hebrews 7:27; 9:28). No additional sacrifice is necessary. Also, the Bible teaches that forgiveness given in the Sacrament is full and complete—Christians are not described as “partly purified” so that they might be in need of additional help after death. Rather, the forgiveness given in the Lord’s Supper is total—“the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
350. For whom did Jesus institute his Supper?
Matthew 26:26,27 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.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.”
1 Corinthians 11:26,27 Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, 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.
In this extraordinary meal, Jesus gives his true body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. This blessing is for Christians of all times.
November 5-11: The blessings
Lord’s Supper: Eternal blessings
Christians recognize the importance of the Lord’s Supper. When they face serious surgery, Christians crave the assurance that they are at peace with God. When Christian soldiers face the dangers of battle, they know the importance of God’s forgiveness. When Christians sense that death is fast approaching, they yearn for the personal comfort Jesus gives them with his body and blood in the Sacrament. When Christians are physically incapable of attending worship services, they cherish opportunities to have the pastor bring the Lord’s Supper to them privately. Yes, Christians long for the blessings God offers in the Lord’s Supper, especially in times of trouble.
All Christians are always facing fearful enemies—sin and guilt. We know that death can come at any moment. We long for the peace that comes from the forgiveness of sins, so it is no surprise that Christians treasure the blessings of the Lord’s Supper.
351. What blessings did Jesus promise to give through the Sacrament?
Matthew 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 22:19,20 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.” 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.”
Revelation 1:4,5 Grace and peace to you . . . from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood . . .
In the Lord’s Supper, God gives us the forgiveness of sins.
A closer look
A means of grace
The Bible shows us that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament. The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus. He commanded the use of earthly elements, bread and wine, and attached the promise of the forgiveness of sins. It is, therefore, a means of grace for us and all Christians.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 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.” 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.”
Matthew 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
We often speak of this sacrament as Jesus’ last will and testament. On the night before he died, he bequeathed (legal term often used in a will), or set aside for distribution at his death, forgiveness through his body and blood to all believers.
353. What further blessings are ours because of the forgiveness of sins?
Romans 5:9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
Romans 6:22,23 Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Peter 2:24,25 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
354. In our church services, the pastor proclaims forgiveness to the entire congregation. What makes receiving the Sacrament so very comforting as well?
Luke 22:19,20 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.” 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.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 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.” 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.”
In the Lord’s Supper, God gives forgiveness, life, and salvation in a very personal and individual way.
Connections
In 1 Corinthians 5:7, we are told that Jesus Christ is our Passover lamb. How appropriate, then, that the Lord’s Supper was instituted in the middle of a Passover celebration.
Just as the body and blood of Jesus would bring about salvation, so many years before the blood of Passover lambs brought about an amazing rescue.
Exodus 12:1-30
The Old Testament Passover celebration was a shadow of things to come (Colossians 2:17). Explain how the following pictured so well our Savior, the Passover lamb to come.
- Male lamb without blemish or defect
- Blood smeared on the sides and top frames of the doors
- Households with blood on the door frames spared from death that night
Luther
Now examine further the effectiveness and benefits that really caused the Sacrament to be instituted. This is its most necessary part, so that we may know what we should seek and gain there. This is plain and clear from the words just mentioned, “This is my body and blood, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Briefly, that is like saying, “For this reason we go to the Sacrament: there we receive such a treasure by and in which we gain forgiveness of sins. . . .” On this account it is indeed called a food of souls, which nourishes and strengthens the new man (Large Catechism, V, par. 20-23).
November 12-18: The power
Lord’s Supper: Saving power
Bread and wine don’t look powerful. Some might wonder whether anything impressive can really be happening in the Lord’s Supper. Usually when something is powerful, we can sense it. We can tell when an athlete is strong; we watch his performance in awe. We can feel when a rocket thunders into the sky. We shake when a bolt of lightning strikes close to our home.
But bread and wine? Of themselves, they would have no great power. But there is something that changes all that and gives humble eating and drinking power beyond imagination.
355. How do we know that we receive the great blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation through eating and drinking in the Sacrament?
Matthew 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 22:19,20 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.” 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.”
Romans 5:9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
Romans 6:22,23 Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We have absolute confidence that the Lord’s Supper gives all of these blessings because the powerful Word of God is in the Sacrament and works through the Sacrament.
356. How do we know that God’s Word is powerful and that it is able to give us these blessings?
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile..
Psalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
Matthew 8:8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
Mark 4:36-39 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
John 11:17-44 (Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead by commanding him to come out of the tomb.)
Romans 10:17 Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
357. What does the Word of God accomplish in the Lord’s Supper?
Matthew 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Romans 10:17 Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Romans 4:20,21 He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Through his Word in the Lord’s Supper, Jesus promises to give us his body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Through these same divine words, Jesus strengthens our faith, giving us trust in his promises and making the blessings of the Sacrament our own.
Connections
The Lord’s Supper may not look powerful, but it certainly is. This is how God so often works—he attaches a powerful promise to something seemingly humble. Many years ago, God did exactly this in the middle of a wilderness.
Numbers 21:4-9
How was it possible that a bronze serpent on a pole saved those who looked to it?
Imagine that a friend asks you, “How can eating a small piece of unleavened bread and drinking a small swallow of wine help us?” How might you use the account of the bronze serpent as part of your response?
Luther
Although the work is done and the forgiveness of sins is secured by the cross [John 19:30], it cannot come to us in any other way than through the Word. . . . But now the entire gospel and the article of the Creed—I believe in . . . the holy Christian Church, . . . the forgiveness of sins, and so on—are embodied by the Word in this Sacrament and presented to us. (Large Catechism, V, par. 30-31)
Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared (Stanzas 5,6)
Though reason cannot understand,
Yet faith this truth embraces:
Your body, Lord, is ev’rywhere
At once in many places.
I leave to you how this can be;
Your Word alone suffices me;
I trust its truth unfailing.
Lord, I believe what you have said;
Help me when doubts assail me.
Remember that I am but dust,
And let my faith not fail me.
Your supper in this vale of tears
Refreshes me and stills my fears
And is my priceless treasure.
November 19-25: The reception
359. Why is it important that we are properly prepared to receive the Lord’s Supper?
1 Corinthians 11:27,28 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. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup..
We want to be properly prepared so that we do not sin by receiving the body and blood of Jesus in an unworthy manner (failing to recognize that we receive the body and blood of Jesus in, with, and under the bread and wine in the Sacrament or failing to believe that it is “given and shed for us” for forgiveness).
361. What, however, is at the heart of being properly prepared to receive the Lord’s Supper?
Luke 22:19,20 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.” 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.”
Matthew 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus said that the body and blood received in the Sacrament were given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. When we come to the Lord’s Table trusting that we receive the true body and blood of Jesus sacrificed on the cross for us for the forgiveness of sins, we are prepared.
363. Whom does God want us to invite to the Lord’s Supper?
1 John 1:8,9 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 18:15-18 (We are to withhold forgiveness from those who refuse to repent of their sins.)
Hebrews 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.
God wants us to invite to the Lord’s Supper only repentant sinners.
1 Corinthians 11:24,26,29 When he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Hebrews 5:13; 6:1 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.
God wants us to invite to the Lord’s Supper only those who are instructed so that they know the meaning of Christ’s death and understand that Jesus’ body and blood are really present.
1 Corinthians 11:28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
God wants us to invite to the Lord’s Supper only those who are able to examine themselves. (This is another reason individuals are instructed in God’s Word prior to receiving the Sacrament. For the same reason, a person who isn’t able to understand what is being received—for example, a person in a coma or someone suffering from an advanced stage of dementia—will not be given the Lord’s Supper.)
2 John 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.
1 Corinthians 10:17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
God wants us to give the Lord’s Supper only to those who are one with us in what we believe and teach.
364. Why will we want to receive Communion often?
Romans 7:19 I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice.
Hebrews 4:15,16 We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
We struggle every day against our sinful flesh and need God’s assistance to overcome our weakness in faith.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 26:28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Romans 4:7 Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
God gives us the forgiveness of sins in the Lord’s Supper, providing us with freedom from guilt and strengthening our faith.
2 Corinthians 5:14,15 Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Colossians 2:6,7 Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Receiving God’s forgiving love in the Sacrament empowers us to live godly lives of thanksgiving.
1 Corinthians 11:26 Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
When we receive the Lord’s Supper and publicly proclaim the Lord’s death together with others, we are encouraging one another in our Christian faith.
A closer look
Closed or Close Communion
Receiving the Lord’s Supper is an act that expresses our faith. The apostle Paul also tells us that when we take the Lord’s Supper with others, we are declaring that we are all one in faith—we believe the same things.
1 Corinthians 10:17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
We express this truth by practicing close or closed Communion. We might refer to it as “close” Communion because we only commune with those who are united with us in faith. We may also say that we practice “closed” Communion to indicate that the Lord’s Supper is closed to those who believe and teach differently. Whichever term is used, the practice of communing only with those who share a common faith is according to God’s command and testifies to our desire to be faithful to God’s Word.
Open Communion is practiced by many denominations today. In these churches, any Christians may come to the Lord’s Table, no matter what they believe and teach.
November 26-December 2: Christian questions for those preparing to receive the Lord’s Supper
1. Do you believe that you are a sinner?
Yes, I believe that I am a sinner.
2. How do you know this?
I know this from the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept.
3. Are you sorry for your sins?
Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God.
4. What have you deserved from God because of your sins?
I deserve his wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation.
5. Are you convinced that you are saved?
Yes, such is my confidence.
6. In whom, then, do you trust?
I trust in my dear Lord Jesus Christ.
7. Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, true God and man.
8. How many Gods are there?
There is only one God, but there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
9. What has Christ done for you that you trust in him?
He died for me and shed his blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
10. Did the Father also die for you?
He did not; for the Father is God only, the Holy Spirit likewise. But the Son is true God and true man. He died for me and shed his blood for me.
11. How do you know this?
I know this from the holy gospel and from the words of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
12. Which are those words?
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, 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, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (NIV).
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,“Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me” (NIV).
13. Do you believe, then, that the true body and blood of Christ are in the Sacrament?
Yes, I believe it.
14. What moves you to believe this?
I am moved to believe this by the words of Christ, “Take and eat; this is my body. . . . Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant” (NIV).
15. What does Christ want you to do when you eat his body and drink his blood in the Lord’s Supper?
Christ wants me to remember and proclaim his death and the pouring out of his blood as he taught me: Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me” (NIV).
16. Why does Christ want you to remember and proclaim his death?
He wants me to do this so that (1) I learn to believe that no creature could make satisfaction for my sins, but only Christ, who is true God and man, could and did do that; (2) I learn to look with terror upon my sins and regard them as great indeed; (3) I find joy and comfort in Christ alone and believe that I have salvation through faith in him.
17. What moved him to die and make a complete payment for your sins?
He was moved to do this by his great love for his Father and for me and other sinners, as the Scriptures teach (John 14:31; Romans 5:8; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:2).
18. Finally, why do you desire to receive holy Communion?
I desire to do this so that I learn to believe that Christ out of great love died for my sins and that I also learn of him to love God and my neighbor.
19. What admonishes and moves you to receive holy Communion frequently?
The command and the promise of Christ my Lord admonishes and moves me. Also, the burden of sin that lies heavy upon me causes me to feel a hunger and thirst for Holy Communion.
20. But what can a person do if he or she is not aware of the burden of sin and does not feel hunger and thirst for Holy Communion?
To such a person no better advice can be given than that, in the first place, the person put his hand into his bosom and feel whether he still has flesh and blood, and that he by all means believes what the Scriptures say about this (Galatians 5:17,19-21; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 7:18).
Secondly, that he look around to see whether he is still in the world and keep in mind that there will be no lack of sin and trouble, as the Scriptures say (John 15:18-25; Matthew 24:9-13; Acts 14:22).
Thirdly, that person will certainly have the devil also about him. With his lying and murdering, day and night, the devil will let him have no peace. So the Scriptures picture the devil (John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:10-12; 2 Timothy 2:26).
21. What can you do if you are sick and are unable to come to Holy Communion?
Then I can send for my pastor to pray with me and to give me Holy Communion privately.
22. When is the proper time to do this?
The time to do this is not only when death is at hand, but earlier before all physical and mental power is gone.
23. Why would you want to do this?
I would want to do this to receive the assurance through Holy Communion that my sins are forgiven and that salvation is mine.
