What Is the Lord’s Supper?

Introduction

We have just partaken of what is called “The Lord’s Supper.” But what does it mean? Is it for everyone? Why do we observe it every Sunday? These are important questions that must be answered from the Word of God. The Lord’s Supper is not a man-made ritual; it is a memorial of the greatest act of love the world has ever known.

Why Is It Called “The Lord’s Supper”?

The Lord’s Supper is a feast, a memorial, and a remembrance honoring our Lord. In 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, Paul reminds the church that he received from the Lord what he also delivered to them: on the night Jesus was betrayed, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” After supper, He took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do…in remembrance of Me.” Each observance proclaims the Lord’s death until He comes. In Matthew 26:26–29, we see Jesus Himself instituting this memorial during the Passover meal, giving bread to represent His body and the cup of the fruit of the vine to represent His blood shed for the remission of sins.

Are There Other Names for the Lord’s Supper?

Scripture uses several terms to describe this memorial. It is called Communion in 1 Corinthians 10:16, emphasizing our participation in the blood and body of Christ. It is the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7), a practice in which the early church continued steadfastly. It is also the table of the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:21), belonging to Him and authorized by Him. We must speak of the Supper using the biblical names given by the Spirit.

What Does the Lord’s Supper Mean?

The Supper reminds us that the Son of God became flesh, suffered, and was crucified for our salvation. The unleavened bread (Matthew 26:26; Luke 22:19) represents His body given for us. The fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:27–28) represents His blood of the new covenant, shed for the remission of sins. It reminds us of His promised presence with His people (Matthew 26:29; Matthew 18:20; Revelation 3:20). It is a time of fellowship with other Christians (1 Corinthians 10:16–17), declaring our unity as members of one body. It also provides spiritual strength, as we examine ourselves to partake in a worthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27–30).

Who Is to Partake of the Lord’s Supper?

Scripture shows that disciples of Jesus—Christians—are the ones who partake. Acts 20:7 describes the disciples gathering on the first day of the week to break bread. Acts 11:26 notes that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. In Acts 2:41–43, those baptized into Christ continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread. Those who are in the one body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16–17) share in this memorial together.

Why Do We Observe the Lord’s Supper Every Sunday?

Acts 20:7 provides the example of the early church meeting on the first day of the week to break bread. Paul waited in Troas to be with the church for this observance. 1 Corinthians 16:2 shows this same day used for the collection, indicating a regular weekly gathering. The English Standard Version specifies “every week.” While the church may meet at other times for prayer and study, the Lord’s Supper is observed on the first day of the week, every week, following the pattern given by the apostles.

Conclusion and Invitation

The Lord’s Supper is vital to our spiritual health. It is a sacred time to remember, proclaim, and renew. Its blessings are for Christians—those who have obeyed the gospel and are in Christ. If you are not in Christ, the invitation is open to obey Him today and share in the fellowship of His table.

What Is the Lord’s Supper? Sermon Outline:

Introduction:

• Questions to answer:

  1. What does the Lord’s Supper mean?

  2. Who is allowed to partake?

  3. Why do we observe it every Sunday?

• All answers must come from the inspired Word of God.

• The Lord’s Supper is not a tradition of men, but a divine memorial instituted by Christ Himself.

I. Why Is It Called “The Lord’s Supper”?
A. It is a feast, a memorial, and a remembrance honoring our Lord.

• 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 – Instituted by Jesus; bread for His body, cup for His blood.

• Matthew 26:26–29 – Instituted during Passover; remission of sins; promise of drinking it new in the kingdom.
  B. Purpose: memorial, proclamation of His death, anticipation of His return.

II. Are There Other Names for the Lord’s Supper?
A. Communion – 1 Corinthians 10:16 – Joint participation in Christ’s body and blood.
B. Breaking of bread – Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7 – Early church observance.
C. Table of the Lord – 1 Corinthians 10:21 – Belongs to the Lord, focus on the emblems.
D. Terms not found in Scripture: sacrament, Eucharist, mass.

III. What Does the Lord’s Supper Mean?
A. Remembrance of Christ’s incarnation, suffering, and crucifixion.
B. Symbolic elements:

1. Unleavened bread – Matthew 26:26; Luke 22:19 – Body given for us; unleavened = purity (1 Corinthians 5:6–8).

2. Fruit of the vine – Matthew 26:27–28 – Blood of the new covenant, shed for remission of sins.
   C. Reminder of Christ’s presence – Matthew 26:29; Matthew 18:20; Revelation 3:20.
   D. Fellowship with Christians – 1 Corinthians 10:16–17 – One body, one bread.
   E. Spiritual strength – 1 Corinthians 11:27–30 – Worthy participation through self-examination.

IV. Who Is to Partake of the Lord’s Supper?
A. Disciples/Christians – Acts 20:7; Acts 11:26.
B. Baptized believers – Acts 2:41–43.
C. Members of the one body – 1 Corinthians 10:16–17.

V. Why Do We Observe the Lord’s Supper Every Sunday?
A. Apostolic example – Acts 20:7 – First day of the week observance.
B. Regularity – 1 Corinthians 16:2 – Weekly gathering; ESV says “every week.”
C. Distinction – Other meetings may occur, but the Supper is tied to the first day of the week.

VI. Invitation:

• The Lord’s Supper is essential to spiritual health.

• It is a memorial, proclamation, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment.

• Only those in Christ may partake (Galatians 3:27; Acts 2:38–42).

Call to Action

Approach the Lord’s Supper each week with reverence and gratitude. Prepare your heart before coming to worship. Reflect on His sacrifice, rejoice in His presence, and renew your commitment to live faithfully until He comes again.

Key Takeaways

• The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus and is a memorial of His sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 26:26–29)

• Scripture gives several names for it: Communion, Breaking of Bread, Table of the Lord (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16, 21)

• Its elements—unleavened bread and fruit of the vine—symbolize His body and blood (Matthew 26:26–28)

• It is for baptized disciples in the body of Christ (Acts 20:7; Acts 2:41–43)

• It is observed every first day of the week following the New Testament example (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2)

Scripture Reference List

• 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 – Institution of the Lord’s Supper

• Matthew 26:26–29 – Bread and cup given by Jesus

• 1 Corinthians 10:16, 21 – Communion and Table of the Lord

• Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7 – Breaking of bread in the early church

• Luke 22:19 – Body given for you

• Revelation 3:20 – Christ’s fellowship with His people

• 1 Corinthians 11:27–30 – Self-examination and worthy participation

• Acts 11:26 – Disciples called Christians

• Acts 2:41–43 – Baptized believers continuing in the breaking of bread

• 1 Corinthians 16:2 – First day pattern of assembly

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO