The Lord's Supper - Communion
John 13:4-5 "He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded."
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
Introduction
The Lord's Supper is a wonderful, reminder-filled ceremony—God's forever reminder ceremony—of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
It Is Sometimes Referred To As The Communion Service Or Last Supper
Sometimes referred to as the "Communion Service" or "Last Supper," it refers back to the last Passover meal that Christ shared with His disciples shortly before he went to the garden of Gethsemane and was betrayed.
There Were Many Elements In The Original Lord's Supper
The occasion is described in several places in the Gospels, and included the washing of the disciples' feet by Christ in spite of protests otherwise, His injunction for the disciples to do likewise, a warning that one of them would betray Him, and finally the sharing of the bread and wine—unfermented grape juice. You can read accounts of the Lord's Supper in Matt. 26:18-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-29, John 13:1-38. You can also read Paul's thoughts on the ceremony in 1 Cor. 11:23-30.
There Is Much To Learn
In the Lord's Supper we find much edifying instruction on the Christian life.
There is the preparation for the service, suggested by Christ washing the feet of the disciples.
There is the warning of betrayal, suggesting less than perfect individuals may participate.
There is the sharing of the bread and wine, speaking of Christ's sacrifice.
It points forward from the typical feasts to their antitypical fulfillment in the death of Christ, and signals the end of the Moasic dispensation and the keeping of the feasts.
We accordingly learn much from the Lord's Supper.
There Is Much To Experience
The Lord's Supper—or Communion as it is sometimes called—is more than a rite or ceremony to go through, but a wonderful celebratory experience that should deeply impact believers. It includes, preparing one's heart, seeking to be right with others so far as one is able, receiving the benefits of Christ's crucifixion by faith, coming together in fellowship with others believers "around the cross," and reveling in God's gracious kindness in sending Christ to die for our sins.
It Is Practiced In A Variety Of Ways
As seen in the differences between Luther and Zwingli on the subject at the time of the reformation, so there are still differing opinions on the proper way to celebrate the Lord's Supper. Different meaning is attached, for example, to the bread and the wine. Another significant difference has to do with the observance of what is sometimes called the "Ordinance of Humility,"—the washing of one another's feet in the same way that Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. On this page there will eventually be information on the varieties of meaning and practice, and of course what the Bible teaches on the subject.
Desired Outcome
I pray the information provided will greatly enhance your appreciation and understanding of the Lord's supper.
Learning About The Lord's Supper - Communion
The Lord's Supper Is Full Of Instruction And Reminders
On this page I provide a short list of the many instructive reminders that come to us through this ordinance of the church.
Preparing For The Lord's Supper In The Ordinance Of Humility (Foot Washing)
The preparatory service of humility follows the example of Christ when He washed the feet of His disciples.
Further Readings On The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper And The Ordinance Of Foot Washing — Ordinance Of Humility
This article by Ellen White will help you enter into the deeper meaning of the Lord's Supper.
Quotes On The Lord's Supper
You will find helpful quotes on the Lord's Supper on this page.
Some Questions Answered
Should We Keep The Feasts Of Israel?
It has already been suggested that the Lord's Supper replaced the Passover after Christ's death. Here is additional information confirming this important subject.