The Lords Supper (Matt. 26:17-19; 26-28) by: Gene Rowe, Jr. The subject of The Lords Supper, or Communion, is very important and extensive in its nature. To understand this subject we must gain knowledge of the Passover Meal that was partaken of by the Israelites, as directed and instituted by Moses under the direction of almighty God. Jesus referred to the Passover Meal in Matthew 26:17-19, as He obeyed all the laws under the Old Covenant (Law of Moses). He instructed His disciples to make ready for the meal, and at the end of the Passover Meal He instituted The Lords Supper. The last plague God inflicted upon Pharaoh and Egypt was the death of the firstborn of both man and beast (Exodus 11:4-6; 12:12). During this same time God provided safety to the Israelites through the commandments He gave to Moses. The commandments included that each family would have to choose from their possession a male lamb without blemish and offer him as a sacrifice unto the Lord. The blood of the sacrificed lamb must be struck upon the two side posts and upper post of each house. Each member of the household must be prepared to eat in haste and ready to leave Egypt when the Lord executes judgment against all the gods of Egypt. As the Lord passed through the land of Egypt the blood of the sacrificed lamb upon the houses of the Israelites was a token unto them. When the Lord saw the blood He would pass over their houses and they would be spared and saved from the plague of the death of the firstborn of both man and beast. This is the actual meaning of the Passover Meal, and it was to be a memorial to be kept by Gods people as long as the Old Law or Covenant lasted. One memorial was ending and another beginning as Christ partook of what is know as the last supper. Jeremiah 31:31-34 declares that the Lord would make a new covenant which would not be according to the covenant He made with their fathers when He brought them out of Egypt. Jesus declared at the end of the Passover Meal that the bread is His body, and the cup is His blood, and that His blood is the New Testament (covenant), which is shed for many (Matthew 26:26-28). The blood of Christ was necessary to enact the new covenant, cleanse us, and provide remission of sins (Hebrews 9:11-22). Under the new covenant Christ is the Lamb of God without blemish, and thus He is our Passover (John 1:29, 36; I Peter 1:18-19; II Corinthians 5:2--21; Hebrews 4:14-16; I Corinthians 5:6-8). Christians in the first century, during the lifetime of the apostles, observed the Lords Supper or communion on the first day of the week, Sunday, thus today we must follow the apostles doctrine and practices (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; Ephesians 2:11-22). When we partake of the Lords Supper it must be in a worthy manner, discerning what He did for us in His death, burial, and resurrection. We must examine ourselves in our own minds, to make sure that we look back to the cross, and look forward to Jesus second coming (I Corinthians 11:23-30). Understanding the Passover Meal, Christs instituting of the Lords Supper or communion, and the apostles directives concerning this issue will provide us all with clarification and harmony! - Gene Rowe, Jr. is the minister of the church of Christ (Westward Ave.), Texas City, Texas. He may be contacted at GTrowe67@aol
Posted on: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 09:20:09 +0000
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