The Recollection of the Institution of the Lord's Supper is a significant event in Christian theology, marking the establishment of the Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion. This 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. It is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, symbolizing the new covenant between God and humanity through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Accounts

1. Matthew 26:26-29 : "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. I tell you, 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.'"

2. Mark 14:22-25 : "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. Truly I tell you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.'"

3. Luke 22:19-20 : "And He took the 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 supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'"

4. 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 Institution of the Lord's Supper is a cornerstone of Christian worship and theology. It signifies the establishment of the new covenant, prophesied in the Old Testament, particularly in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant with His people. The elements of bread and wine are rich in symbolism, representing the body and blood of Christ, offered for the redemption of humanity.

The command to "do this in remembrance of Me" underscores the importance of continual reflection on the sacrifice of Christ. The Lord's Supper serves as a perpetual reminder of Jesus' atoning death and the hope of His return. It is a means of grace, a spiritual nourishment for believers, and a proclamation of the Gospel.

Liturgical Practice

In Christian liturgy, the Lord's Supper is observed with varying frequency and theological emphasis across different denominations. However, the core elements remain consistent: the consecration of bread and wine, the recitation of the words of institution, and the communal participation in the elements. This sacrament is a profound expression of unity among believers, as they partake in the body and blood of Christ, affirming their faith and commitment to the teachings of Jesus.

Historical Context

The Last Supper, during which the Lord's Supper was instituted, took place during the Jewish Passover. This timing is significant, as Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. By instituting the Lord's Supper during this feast, Jesus connects His impending sacrifice to the theme of liberation and redemption, fulfilling the Passover's typological foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance from sin through His death and resurrection.

The Recollection of the Institution of the Lord's Supper remains a central element of Christian faith and practice, embodying the mystery of Christ's presence and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.