Topical Encyclopedia The Table of the Lord's Supper, often referred to as Communion or the Eucharist, is a central rite in Christian worship, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples. This sacred observance is rooted in the New Testament accounts and holds profound theological significance for believers, symbolizing the new covenant between God and humanity through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Biblical Foundation The institution of the Lord's Supper is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and the writings of the Apostle Paul. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, during which He establishes this new ordinance: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.' Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins'" (Matthew 26:26-28). Similarly, the Apostle Paul provides an account of the Lord's Supper in his first letter to the Corinthians, emphasizing its importance and the manner in which it should be observed: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Theological Significance The Table of the Lord's Supper is rich in theological meaning, serving as a tangible expression of the Gospel. It is a memorial of Christ's atoning sacrifice, a proclamation of His death, and an anticipation of His return. The elements of bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ, representing His real presence among believers and the spiritual nourishment He provides. The Lord's Supper is also a means of grace, a channel through which believers experience the benefits of Christ's redemptive work. It is a time of self-examination, repentance, and renewal, as Paul admonishes: "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup" (1 Corinthians 11:28). This introspection ensures that participants approach the table with reverence and sincerity, acknowledging their dependence on Christ's sacrifice for salvation. Communal Aspect The Lord's Supper is inherently communal, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ. It is a shared meal that transcends individual differences, fostering fellowship among believers. The Apostle Paul underscores this unity, stating, "Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf" (1 Corinthians 10:17). This communal dimension emphasizes the interconnectedness of the church and the call to love and serve one another. Observance and Practice The practice of the Lord's Supper varies among Christian traditions, with differences in frequency, liturgy, and theological interpretation. However, the core elements remain consistent: the breaking of bread and the sharing of the cup. Some traditions observe the Lord's Supper weekly, while others do so monthly or on special occasions. Regardless of the frequency, the focus remains on the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and the celebration of the new covenant. In conclusion, the Table of the Lord's Supper is a profound and sacred ordinance that encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith. It is a time of remembrance, proclamation, and anticipation, drawing believers into deeper communion with Christ and one another. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 10:21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Nave's Topical Index Greek 2960. kuriakos -- of the Lord ... 2960 (an adjective, derived from 2962 , "lord") -- properly, pertaining (belonging) to the (). 2960 () is used of Supper (ie "communion," the table) and " day ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2960.htm - 7k Library Questions About the Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper On Communion in the Lord's Supper. Of the Method in which the Four Evangelists are Shown to be at one ... 'The Whole Family' The Lord's Supper Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ... The Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper Instituted, 1 Corinthians 11:23 &C. The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper. Resources What is the Haggadah / Aggadah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning and importance of the Last Supper? | GotQuestions.org Is the observance of First Communion biblical? | GotQuestions.org Table: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Table: A Slab Upon Which Inscriptions Were Made Table: An Article of Furniture Table: An Article of Furniture: Made of Silver Table: of Testimony were Broken Table: of Testimony were Placed in the Ark of the Covenant Table: of Testimony: A Second Set Engraved Table: of Testimony: The Commandments Engraved Upon Related Terms Tax-gatherers (16 Occurrences) Over-against (156 Occurrences) Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences) |
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