THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

THEME: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

1st Reading: Exodus 12:1-13

2nd Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20

3rd Reading: John 6:15-58

INTRODUCTION 

The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is one of the most profound acts of worship and remembrance in the Christian faith. It is a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ Himself, symbolizing His sacrifice for humanity. 

Beloved as we explore the significance of the Lord's Supper through our three key scriptures: Exodus 12:1-13, Ephesians 5:15-20, and John 6:15-58. It is my prayer that Jesus The Christ,  who is the Alpha and Omega will give to us understanding on this important theme.

Let’s Pray...

The Lord's Supper as a Continuation of the Passover (Exodus 12:1-13)

The first Lord's Supper was deeply rooted in the Jewish Passover. In Exodus 12, God commanded the Israelites to observe the Passover, a feast that commemorated their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The blood of the Passover lamb, which was applied to the doorposts, saved the Israelites from the angel of death.

It's connection to the Lord's Supper

The Passover prefigured the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood would be shed for the forgiveness of sins. 

Just as the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites, so too does the blood of Christ save us from spiritual death. The Lord's Supper is a continuation of this Passover tradition, but with a new and deeper meaning.

Application

When we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are participating in a spiritual remembrance of our deliverance from sin and death through the sacrifice of Christ. It is a moment of reflection, gratitude, and recommitment to live as those who have been set free.

The Lord's Supper as a Call to Holiness with emphasis on Ephesians 5:15-20

The Passage Ephesians 5, notes, Paul calls the believers to walk wisely, making the most of every opportunity and living lives filled with the Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of holiness, thanksgiving, and worship.

Also it’s connection to the Lord's Supper, is that, the Lord's Supper is not just a ritual; it is a call to live holy and set-apart lives. As we gather to partake in the bread and the cup, we are reminded of our identity in Christ and our responsibility to live in a manner worthy of our calling. The Lord's Supper invites us to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and renew our commitment to walk in righteousness.

 As we approach the Lord's Table any time, let us do so with a heart of repentance and humility. Let us resolve to live lives that reflect the holiness and love of Christ, making every effort to be filled with the Spirit, singing psalms and hymns, and giving thanks to God in all things.

For the 3rd passage it addresses...

The Lord's Supper stands as Spiritual Nourishment (John 6:15-58)

In John 6, Jesus speaks of Himself as the Bread of Life. He explains that just as the Israelites ate manna in the wilderness, He is the true bread from heaven that gives life to the world. 

Jesus goes on to say that unless one eats His flesh and drinks His blood, they have no life in them.

Jesus’ words in John 6 find their fulfillment in the Lord’s Supper. The bread and the cup represent the body and blood of Christ, which nourish us, the believer spiritually. 

As we continue to partake in Communion, we are reminded that Christ is our sustenance, our life, and our source of strength. 

Just as we need physical food and drink to live, so too do we need Christ to sustain us spiritually.

People of God understand that, the Lord's Supper is a moment to be spiritually fed and renewed. It is a time to draw near to Christ, recognizing that apart from Him, we have no life. As we partake of the bread and the cup, let us do so with faith, knowing that Christ is present with us, nourishing our souls and empowering us to live for Him.

CONCLUSION 

The Lord's Supper is a profound and sacred act of worship that connects us to the past, calls us to holiness in the present, and nourishes us for the future. It is a reminder of Christ's sacrifice, a call to live holy lives, and a means of spiritual nourishment. 

As we partake in this Holy Communion (ordinance), may we do so with reverence, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to follow Christ. 

Let us remember that in the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again.

PRAYER 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the sacrifice He made for us on the cross. 

As we often and always  come to Your Table, help us to remember the significance of the Lord's Supper. 

May it remind us of our deliverance, call us to holiness, and nourish our souls. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Apostle Creed...