The Lords Supper

The Lords Supper

[24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

(1 Corinthians 11:24-26 ESV)

Paul tells us in this section that we need to be examining our selves prior to coming to the table. We need to confess that we are sinners and make sure that we are not approaching the table holding on to our sin or with an ungodly attitude lest we eat or drink judgment upon ourselves.

Luther's Catechism gives this definition of the Lords Supper

The Sacrament of the Altar

AS THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY SHOULD TEACH IT

IN A SIMPLE WAY TO HIS HOUSEHOLD

What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted

by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.

Where is this written?

The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St Paul write:

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had

given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My body,

which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He

gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood,

which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in

remembrance of Me.”

What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?

These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the

Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where

there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?

Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: “Given

and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, along with the bodily eating and

drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what

they say: “forgiveness of sins.”

Who receives this sacrament worthily?

Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly

worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the

forgiveness of sins.”

But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared,

for the words “for you” require all hearts to believe

The new covenant is mentioned and this covenant occurred when Jesus died on the cross and rose again for the atonement of our sins once and for all. If this event would not have happened we would still be under the old covenant where we would need to be sacrificing animals often for the atonement of our sins.

During this time the people of Corinth were taking the Lords Supper in an unworthy manner; over eating not sharing with those who had none and getting drunk. Paul tells them that they have their own houses for eating and drinking and they should not do those things at the Lords table.

Sing Praises to Your King!