Series Big Idea: "Baptism and The Lord’s Supper are symbolic pictures of the fundamental facts of the gospel"

Sermon Big Idea: "The Lord’s Supper is a continual reminder of the price Christ paid for our salvation"

Key Scripture (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Palm Sunday has traditionally been known throughout the Christian community as the Sunday before Easter in which we celebrate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem a week before His crucifixion on the cross. We will be celebrating The Lord’s Supper together today.

There are two fundamental ordnances we observe as a Christian church. One is Baptism, which is an outward sign that an individual is beginning a new spiritual journey with Christ and the other is the Lord’s Supper, intended to be a continuing reminder of the price Christ paid for our salvation. These are correctly called ordnances because the Lord Himself ordained and appointed them to be practiced continually in the Church (Luke 22:19).

Any time the gospel is preached there is a dimension of hearing that we experience. Baptism adds the dimension of sight. The Lord’s Supper is a powerful aid to a Christians memory because it adds the dimensions of touching and tasting. An old proverb says, “I hear, and I forget; I see, and I remember; I do, and I understand.”

The most extensive discussion in the Bible on the Lord’s Supper is found in (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). This is one of the oldest written records concerning the Lord’s Supper. The Apostle Paul wasn’t an innovator of it but was simply delivering to the Corinthians only what he had received (1 Corinthians 11:23). The observance of the Lord’s Supper can be a spiritual blessing for us as believers. But what is the significance of the Supper?

First, there is a past significance in which Jesus preserved for all Christians a trustworthy memory of His sufferings. It is a continual proclamation of a past event (1 Corinthians 11:26). We are called to look back. Without Christ’s death on the cross, this observance would be meaningless. Three things we remember here. We remember how deeply God cares for us. We remember what unconfessed sin can do. We remember that God did not spare His Son but gave Him up for us all (Romans 8:32). This past event becomes a present reality in Christian worship.

There is also the present significance. It is a repeated opportunity for self-examination and confession (1 Corinthians 11:28-29). When we go for a physical examination, the doctor is not just interested in the symptoms he can see but also the silent symptoms. Questions you could ask yourself right now is “What is my true spiritual condition? Where are the areas in my life that need forgiveness, growth, or healing? Am I in communion with God and with others? While perfection is not attainable, hatred, bitterness, and an unforgiving spirit are not appropriate at the Lord’s table.

The Supper also provides a repeated opportunity for Christian fellowship. Paul knew that divisions in the Corinthian church had arisen out of class distinctions. He also knew this could destroy the fellowship of the church (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). The Lord’s Supper is not just a solitary meal for the individual, but a community meal held in an atmosphere of love.

Conclusion

Finally, the future significance of The Lord’s Supper. The Church looks toward the future for hope (1 Corinthians 11:26). We gain assurance from this promise of the return of Christ and know He is the ultimate Victor! We look forward to His appearing in power and glory.

Jesus said He wouldn’t drink of the fruit of the vine until the day He drinks it new in the kingdom of God (Mark 14:25/Matthew 26:29/Luke 22:18). One day when the kingdom of God is ultimately established, Jesus and His followers will drink the fruit of the vine together again at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

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