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Questions About the Lord’s Supper

// February 27th, 2010 // Bible Study, Mark's stuff

By David Watson

Benchley, January 24, 2010

• What is it?
  • A memorial of Jesus instituted by Jesus Himself.
    • Matthew 26:26-30; I Corinthians 11:23-26; 5:7; Luke 22:19; I Peter 2:24
  • An indicator of what we believe.
    • I Corinthians 11:26; 15:13-14
  • A communion (sharing, fellowship) with Christ.
    • I Corinthians 10:16-17,20-21
• In what manner should it be observed?
  • Worthily (sincerely, reverently) – I Corinthians 11:26-30
• What are the elements?
  • Mark 14:22-26 – unleavened bread and fruit of the vine
  • Transubstantiation – belief that the elements are literally changed into the body and blood of Jesus, although this change is not detectable by the senses.
  • Consubstantiation – belief that bread and juice are spiritually the flesh and blood of Jesus, but have not actually changed.
  • Neither transubstantiation nor consubstantiation are supported by the scriptures.
• Must we distribute it in one cup?
  • This is a figure (metonymy).
    • “He couldn’t give up the bottle” is another example of this figure of speech.
    • Matthew 10:34; Genesis 6:11; John 1:29; Matthew 3:5-6; I Corinthians 11:25-28; Matthew 26:27-29
  • The memorial is what’s singular, not the literal bread/cup.  I Corinthians 10:16-17
• When and how often should we observe it?
  • Acts 20:7
  • “Bread bread” in Acts 20:7 is the Lord’s Supper
    • Acts 2:46; 27:35-36 – sometimes this is a common meal.
    • Matthew 26:26; Acts 2:42 – sometimes is it talking about the Lord’s Supper.
  • The fact that the Holy Spirit specified a day of the week suggests it is a weekly event.
  • The first day of the week is the only day which has special significance in the New Testament.