Have you ever wondered why Jesus taught His followers to eat His “body” and drink His “blood” during the Lord’s Supper? The Jews misunderstood the idea (John 6:52), and the early Christians were even accused of “cannibalism.” Couldn’t Jesus have described this special meal with less controversy? Not really.
Jesus’ original meal with His disciples took place on the evening prior to the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Mark 14:12). This Passover meal involved eating bread without yeast and sacrificing a lamb in memory of the time God liberated the Israelites from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12). The yeast-free bread—used by the Israelites during their escape—is also a symbol of sinlessness according to some commentators, and the blood of the lamb was a symbol of salvation (Exodus 12:12-13). As Jesus offered His disciples bread and called it His “body” (Mark 14:22), He was describing Himself as the sinless One who would save them from judgment.
Then after drinking the wine, Jesus said, “This is My blood which confirms the covenant between God and His people” (Mark 14:23-24). Prior to releasing the Israelites from Egypt, God had commanded each family to sacrifice a lamb (Exodus 12:3). The blood from the lamb, placed on their doorposts, was a “sign” to God that He should pass over the house—sparing them from His judgment. Then they ate the meat after it was roasted over a fire (Exodus 12:8-9).
A sacrifice brought God and humanity together. A shared meal brought people together. In the most extraordinary act in history, Jesus became both Passover sacrifice and fellowship meal.
By observing the Lord’s Supper today, we participate in God’s redeemed family.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 21:8-21
More:
Read John 6:53-58 and note the purpose of the Lord’s Supper. Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-32 to see how we should take part in the Lord’s Supper in a way that honors Jesus.
Next:
How seriously do you engage with the Lord’s Supper? Are you ever prone to ignore its social significance?
tom felten on May 4, 2012 at 9:46 am
Sheridan, thanks for writing about this vital meal. Jesus said, “Do this to remember Me” (Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24). Each week we remember Jesus this way in my local church—taking part in the Lord’s Supper. It’s sobering and spiritually grounding to worship Him in this way. To experience it in community, in God’s family, is powerful.
sheridan voysey on May 7, 2012 at 4:27 am
It really was a revelation to me to realize how many aspects of the Old Testament sacrificial system Jesus fulfilled here. He is both the ‘sacrificial lamb’ and the ‘fellowship meal’ – he brings us together with God *and* with each other. Horizontal and vertical relationships restored!
GChoo on May 4, 2012 at 10:00 am
Sheridan, thank you for reminding us of the significance of the Lord’s Supper.
The moment of silence before we partake in the communion allows us not only to repent of our sins, but also reminds us to truly forgive others just as God forgives us. The Lord’s Supper enables us to truly be one in the body with Christ.
Thank you Heavenly Father for your compassion and great love for us.
sheridan voysey on May 7, 2012 at 4:28 am
Thanks GChoo. Yes, repentance/forgiveness in both a vertical and horizontal directions is what is called for and enabled in the Lord’s Supper.
Kathy @ In Quiet Places on May 4, 2012 at 10:45 am
I am reading through the Old Testament right now, and I am in Exodus and just read (again) about the Israelites leaving Egypt, and the first Passover, reminding me how thankful I am that Jesus was the Passover Lamb for me, and this I remember in a most somber way and with gratitude when I take communion.
sheridan voysey on May 7, 2012 at 4:31 am
Great to hear, Kathy. I spent 8 months in Exodus a couple of years back. It really is amazing how much that Exodus experience helps us interpret all manner of New Testament themes and events. Jesus came to lead us into a New Exodus – out of domination to sin and evil and into his Promised Land, the Kingdom of God. His supper is all about this liberation!