The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper with His disciples. It serves as a memorial of Christ's sacrifice, a proclamation of His death, and a means of spiritual nourishment for believers. The primary biblical accounts of the institution of the Lord's Supper are found in the Synoptic Gospels and the writings of the Apostle Paul.

Biblical Foundation

The Lord's Supper is first described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In Matthew 26:26-28 , it is written: "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.'"

Similarly, in Mark 14:22-24 , the account is given: "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.'"

Luke 22:19-20 adds: "And He took the 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.'"

The Apostle Paul provides further instruction in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 : "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."

Theological Significance

The Lord's Supper is a profound expression of the New Covenant, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ and participation in His death and resurrection. The bread represents the body of Christ, broken for the redemption of humanity, while the cup signifies His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. This sacrament is a means of grace, strengthening the faith of believers and fostering unity within the body of Christ.

Instructions for Observance

Paul provides specific instructions for the proper observance of the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 : "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. Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."

These instructions emphasize the need for self-examination, repentance, and recognition of the sacredness of the sacrament. Believers are called to approach the Lord's Table with reverence, humility, and a heart of gratitude, acknowledging the profound mystery of Christ's sacrificial love.

Frequency and Practice

The New Testament does not prescribe a specific frequency for the observance of the Lord's Supper, allowing for flexibility within different Christian traditions. However, the phrase "as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup" (1 Corinthians 11:26) suggests regular participation as a vital aspect of Christian worship and community life.

In practice, the Lord's Supper is typically administered by ordained ministers or church leaders, with the elements of bread and wine (or grape juice) distributed to the congregation. The communal aspect of the sacrament underscores the unity of believers as members of the body of Christ, joined together in faith and love.

Conclusion

The Lord's Supper remains a central and cherished practice within the Christian faith, serving as a tangible reminder of Christ's atoning work and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet to come. Through this sacred meal, believers are invited to partake in the life, death, and resurrection of their Savior, drawing near to Him in faith and fellowship.