“The Lord's Supper”

On this night, the time honored Passover would be transformed into what would become known today as “The Lord’s Supper” or “Communion”. Only twelve men would be chosen to witness the inception of this great ordinance. One of the twelve carried malicious intent in his heart, which would soon bring about the suffering and death necessary for the salvation of God’s people.

That which was being consummated on this night would be imperative in the establishment of the New Testament Church.  Jesus was moving these men’s focus from the traditional Passover lamb, to the true sacrifice by using the breaking of this bread (his body) and of the wine he poured (his blood).

 

As they were eating the roasted kid, little did these men know that not only were they consuming the paschal lamb, but it was the true Lamb, the Lamb who John had introduced at the river of Jordon, who was serving them. It was the night of the feast of unleavened bread. As stated in the instructions given to Moses, this was to be honored by all generations, and so here they were. Yet Jesus said that He would not take of the cup of this Passover, neither would He eat thereof any more of the lamb, “Until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God”. Thus signifying this would be the last of the required animal sacrifice. Little did these men know, that before the next day’s end, the one and only ultimate and eternal Sacrifice would be made for all those included in the everlasting covenant; past, present and future.

 

In order that all prophecies, types and shadows of the true sacrifice might be fulfilled, the Lord introduced this “new” ordinance, which was purposely transposed from the “old” or original. From here forward there would be no more “types”, for the Antitype had arrived and within a few hours He would be slain once for all… there would be no more bitter herbs; for the suffering these represented would be accomplished in the suffering of Jesus Christ. There would be no more slaughter of the kids of the goats or lambs of the sheep; for this also would be accomplished in the death of Jesus Christ…Perfect Man would suffer and die for imperfect humanity.

 

Virtually every Christian denomination or church today observes, in some manner, this New Testament directive. From this one event there has arisen many conjectures; some believe that this should be offered at every worship service (However, we must take care for if this ordinance is observed too often, it is very possible that its true meaning or substance may become lost in habitual tradition); some observe it monthly, and some quarterly. Biblically, all of these can be correct. Even though there is no set time pattern that the Lord gives us (He directs us only that; “As oft as you do this do it in remembrance of me”), it is the opinion of this writer that this rite should, as with the traditional Passover of old, be performed at least once per year.

 

There are those others who are of the opinion that almost any type of “bread” may be used (including saltines and other types of crackers) along with many different drinks (including grape juice, apple juice or even water). Since these cannot be biblically confirmed, I feel that it is the church’s responsibility to remain as close to the original as possible, which I find by scripture to be unleavened bread and wine. One of the strangest observations we may find in any Communion service is the belief of transubstantiation, which is prevalent among the Orthodox Catholic Church. Those who allege this to be factual believe that the bread and wine, for this moment in time, actually become the body and blood of Jesus. However, if we look closely, we find that there is no grand mysticism in the communion service. The bread and wine are no more transformed to the body and blood of Christ than the Baptistery, when used for a baptismal service, is transformed into an actual grave or tomb. The bread and wine are “only” representative of the body and blood. However, let us be careful with the use of the word “only” for it does not give any leeway for any to take this rite lightly or to be observed without utmost reverence. Apostle Paul would go into great detail on how we are to conduct ourselves during this service, as we can plainly see in his letter to the church at Corinth.

 

So we find that the death of Jesus Christ did not abolish the sacrifice, but rather made the greater sacrifice, after which they could be no other sacrificial death. The shed blood of animals was used until the fullness of time should come. Let us recall that which was mentioned earlier; “until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God”.

 

 Today, the only sacrifice that we are commanded to make is the “living” sacrifice or the giving of ourselves; not to die, but to live for Jesus Christ, Who was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

 

So we conclude that the Passover was the “type” of our Lord’s suffering and sacrifice which carried with it a continual looking forward to His coming, which would bring with it the deliverance of His people. The Communion service is a remembrance of His suffering and sacrifice which we observe in retrospect, keeping our hearts and minds on what He has accomplished in order to deliver His people and to secure their salvation.

 

Sam Everett