Embracing the Ordinary Sacrament
Scripture Foundation
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 says, "As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples and said, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.'" (NIV)
Matthew 26:26-29 records Jesus' words at the Last Supper: "While they were reclining at the table, Jesus was troubled. 'Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me—one who is eating with me,' he said. They were shocked and asked, 'Who's it going to be?' The disciple Jesus loved, the one who was reclining next to him, was Simon Peter. So Jesus told him, 'Peter, because you are a friend of mine, I'm going to ask you to do something. You're going to take care of my disciples.'" (NIV)
And in Luke 22:14-20, Jesus says, "And when the hour came, Jesus took a loaf of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, 'This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' Similarly, after supper he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood which is shed for you.'" (NIV)
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds; not because we are obligated to do so, but because we love each other. For we have many advantages." (NIV)
Main Content
The Lord's Supper is a sacrament that reminds us of Christ's sacrifice and presence. It's a time to reflect on his love and obedience to the Father. As we partake in the bread and wine, we're not just commemorating a historical event; we're participating in a spiritual reality that connects us to Christ's body and blood. In the Last Supper account, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper as a way for his disciples to remember his sacrifice. He took bread and wine, gave thanks, and broke them as a symbol of his body and blood. This act was a foreshadowing of his death on the cross. The Lord's Supper is not just a reminder of Christ's sacrifice; it's also a celebration of his presence among us. When we gather around the table, we're not just remembering a historical event; we're experiencing the presence of Christ in our midst. As single parents, it can be challenging to find time for personal devotional practices. However, taking part in the Lord's Supper can be a powerful way to connect with Christ and His body. Take some time to reflect on your relationship with Christ and how you can apply the principles of communal worship and remembrance to your personal devotional practices. Ask yourself: - How can I prioritize my relationship with Christ amidst the chaos of daily life? - What are some ways I can incorporate the principles of communal worship and remembrance into my personal devotional practices?Learning Objectives
- Explain the significance of the Lord's Supper as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and presence.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the connection between the Last Supper and the Lord's Supper.
- Apply the principles of communal worship and remembrance in the Lord's Supper to personal devotional practices.
- Identify the importance of regular participation in the Lord's Supper as a means of spiritual nourishment and unity.
- Articulate how the Lord's Supper fosters a deeper sense of connection to the body of Christ.
Application Steps
- Schedule a regular time for personal devotional practices.
- Reflect on your relationship with Christ and how you can apply the principles of communal worship and remembrance to your personal devotional practices.
Reflection Questions
How can you prioritize your relationship with Christ amidst the chaos of daily life? What are some ways you can incorporate the principles of communal worship and remembrance into your personal devotional practices?