Introduction

The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is a central rite in Christian worship, commemorating the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a practice instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper with His disciples and is observed by Christians as a means of grace, remembrance, and proclamation of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The institution of the Lord's Supper is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and the writings of the Apostle Paul. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is My body" and "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 14:22-24 and Luke 22:19-20 recount this pivotal moment.

The Apostle Paul provides further theological insight in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where he writes, "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 rich in theological meaning. It is a memorial of Christ's atoning sacrifice, a proclamation of His death and resurrection, and an anticipation of His return. The elements of bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ, serving as tangible reminders of His suffering and the new covenant established through His sacrifice.

Participation in the Lord's Supper is an act of obedience to Christ's command and a means of spiritual nourishment. It is a time for self-examination, repentance, and renewal of faith. Paul warns against partaking in an unworthy manner, urging believers to "examine themselves" (1 Corinthians 11:28) to avoid judgment.

Communal Aspect

The Lord's Supper is not only a personal act of devotion but also a communal expression of unity among believers. In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, Paul emphasizes the fellowship aspect, stating, "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf" . This underscores the unity of the Church as the body of Christ, transcending individual differences and divisions.

Historical Practice

Throughout church history, the Lord's Supper has been observed in various forms and frequencies, reflecting theological and liturgical diversity. Early Christians gathered for the "breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42) as a regular part of their worship. The Didache, an early Christian document, provides instructions for the Eucharist, highlighting its importance in the life of the early Church.

The Reformation brought renewed focus on the biblical foundations of the Lord's Supper, with reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli offering distinct theological interpretations. Despite differences, the centrality of the Lord's Supper as a means of grace and a proclamation of the Gospel remains a shared conviction among Protestant traditions.

Conclusion

The Lord's Supper continues to be a vital practice in Christian worship, inviting believers to remember Christ's sacrifice, proclaim His death and resurrection, and anticipate His return. It is a sacred moment of communion with God and with one another, strengthening the faith and unity of the Church.