1 Corinthians 11: 23-30

There is an excellent reason for calling this observance, ``The Lord's Supper."
It Was Instituted By Jesus.

In the closing week of our Lord's earthly life, He said to His disciples,
"I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." (Luke 22:15)

For thousands of years faithful Jews had celebrated the feast of Passover,
and today, they still follow the same ritual as they followed in the days of Jesus.
It was during this memorial meal that Jesus rose, took a piece of bread and thanked God for it.
Then, He broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said,
"Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you."

It was a picture of what was to happen the following day when Jesus was crucified.

Then He took a cup and gave it to them saying,
"Drink this, all of you, for it is my blood, the blood of the New Covenant
shed to set many free from their sins." (Matthew 26: 28, Philips)

It is the Lord's Supper because He instituted it.

Jesus, then, went on to say, "Do this in remembrance of me."
Thus, the meal is called the Lord's Supper because it is a memorial to Him.

People become like the thoughts they hold, and like the memories they cherish.
It is the truth that "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23: 7)

What do you think about during the Lord's Supper?

Jesus Christ!

If we think of Jesus Christ our faith is nourished, our hope is kindled, and our strength is renewed.

Our modern way of thinking of "memory" almost presupposes a sense of absence,
while the ancient Hebrew concept of "memory" presupposes a sense of presence.
That sense of presence is not a crude literalistic concept, but a realistic spiritual presence.

More is meant than a psychological stimulant or a kind of memory-quickener.
The Lord's Supper was instituted for the purpose of keeping ever before us
the meaning of the death of Jesus, and of bringing us into a Holy of Holies
where we can come into His presence.

When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, He "gave thanks." (eucharistesas)
Jesus must go alone to face the malice and hatred of those who falsely accused Him.
Yet, "He gave thanks."

Beyond the dark shadows and in the presence of death,
Jesus saw that which enabled Him to give thanks.

So this remembrance is a great act of thanksgiving each time we observe it.
This Supper reminds us that we're not attending a funeral, but a feast.
We meet, not on Friday, the day Christ died, but on Sunday, the day He arose from the grave.

Here we give grateful praise in hymn and prayer for all that Christ has brought us --
peace with God, the forgiveness of sin, and the power to live as Christians.

So through this Lord's Supper -- remember Jesus!

Just close your eyes and think of Jesus as being here beside you.

See the look of love in His face.
Feel the touch of His hand upon your shoulder.
Listen to the warm confidence in His voice as He speaks and says,
"Be still and know that I am God."
"Come unto me and I will give you rest."
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."
"My grace is sufficient for you."

When that happens, this supper will truly be meaningful, and Christ will be truly present.

He is present.
It is the Lord Himself who presides at this service.
As we experience His presence, we find that He is able to do for us all
that his disciples discovered that He could do for them.

He is with us so that we are enabled to gain the victory which overcomes the world.

"When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Where the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all."

Sermon by Dr. Harold L. White
Email Dr. White at hleewhite@aol.com