Foundational Doctrines: The Lord's Supper, Sharing in the Body of Christ

The night Jesus was betrayed he instituted a memorial meal for his followers to observe (Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20). Today there is great confusion when it comes to this memorial meal. Christian groups observe the Supper for different reasons and at varying frequencies. As we examine our faith, what does the Bible clearly say about the Lord’s Supper?

1. The purposes of the Lord’s Supper are memory, connection, unity, and proclamation. Jesus instructed his followers to eat bread and drink fruit from the vine as memorial elements to help them remember his crucified flesh and the blood he poured out for the sins of many (1 Cor. 11:23-25). When we partake of the cup of blessing and the broken bread, we are connecting with the very blood and body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:14-22). A believer’s oneness with Christ is again confirmed in the Supper by sharing in the effects of the blood and body of Christ. Christians the world-over are united together when eating from the “one bread” (1 Cor. 10:17). When we observe the Lord’s Supper, we must consider one another and how Jesus’ sacrifice makes us one (1 Cor. 11:17-22, 29). Also, we make a “proclamation” about Jesus in the Supper—affirming and celebrating the reality of his return (1 Cor. 11:26).

2. The Lord’s Supper is for those that are in the kingdom of God. Jesus began the Lord’s Supper for those who are his followers (within the kingdom) (Matt. 26:27-28). The Lord’s Supper is intended for true disciples and not for unbelievers. Sometimes unbelievers will attend the assemblies of the church (1 Cor. 14:24). Taking the Lord’s Supper is a personal choice. But if you take the Lord’s Supper “without discerning the body,” you are eating and drinking judgment upon yourself (1 Cor. 11:28-32). You cannot rightly think about the body of Christ while taking the Lord’s Supper if you have never been united with Jesus in his death at baptism (cf. Rom. 6:3-5).

3. The Lord’s Supper is a weekly memorial to be taken on the first day of the week when the church assembles for worship. Early Christians gathered together on the first day of “every” week to worship (1 Cor. 16:1-2). This day (what we call Sunday) became known as the “Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10). Christians worshipped on the very day Jesus rose from the dead—the first day of the week (Mark 16:2, 9). When “the church comes together” to worship (on this day), we are to take the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:20, 26). Early Christians did gather together for the purpose of “breaking bread” on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). An early second century document called the Didache confirms this truth as it contains the instruction, “Having earlier confessed your sins so that your sacrifice may be pure, come together each Lord’s day of the Lord, break bread, and give thanks.” Also in the second century Justin Martyr writes, “And on the day called Sunday there is a gathering together in the same place of all who live in a city or rural district…bread is presented and wine and water” (wine mixed with water-JJ).

4. It is essential to have the correct frame of mind when observing the Lord’s Supper. No one is worthy of the sacrifice of Jesus nor to partake of the Supper. To partake of the Supper in a “worthy manner” means that you think about the sacrifice of Jesus for your sins while you partake of it (1 Cor. 11:27-32). It is also crucial that you think about the “body of Christ” (the church) and how we are united together in Him (1 Cor. 11:29; 10:17). You must “examine yourself” to make sure you have the correct frame of mind while observing the supper (1 Cor. 11:28).

The Lord’s Supper is a look backward (to Jesus’ sacrifice), a look upward (thanks to God), a look inward (reflecting on yourself), a look around (unity of believers), and a look forward (anticipating Jesus’ return).