The Institution of the Lord's Supper, also known as the Last Supper, is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the establishment of a new covenant between Christ and His followers. This sacred event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—and is further expounded upon by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians.

Biblical Accounts

The Gospel of Matthew provides a detailed account of the event: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.' 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 covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins'" (Matthew 26:26-28).

Similarly, Mark records: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'Take it; this is My body.' Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, 'This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many'" (Mark 14:22-24).

Luke's account adds a dimension of remembrance: "And He took bread, gave thanks, 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 supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you'" (Luke 22:19-20).

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, emphasizes the tradition he received from the Lord: "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.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Theological Significance

The Lord's Supper is a profound expression of the new covenant, symbolizing the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and the redemption it brings. The bread and the cup represent His body and blood, offered for the forgiveness of sins. This sacrament is a means of grace, a visible sign of an inward reality, and a proclamation of the Gospel.

The command to "do this in remembrance of Me" underscores the importance of continual reflection on Christ's atoning work. The Lord's Supper serves as a memorial, a celebration of the believer's union with Christ, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet to come.

Liturgical Practice

In Christian liturgy, the Lord's Supper is observed with reverence and solemnity. It is a communal act of worship, fostering unity among believers as they partake in the body and blood of Christ. The frequency and manner of observance may vary among denominations, but the essence remains the same: a commemoration of Christ's sacrifice and a reaffirmation of faith.

Historical Context

The Last Supper took place during the Jewish Passover, a feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt. By instituting the Lord's Supper during this time, Jesus imbued the Passover with new meaning, positioning Himself as the true Passover Lamb whose blood would bring ultimate deliverance from sin and death.

The Institution of the Lord's Supper is a cornerstone of Christian faith and practice, encapsulating the heart of the Gospel message and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.