Saturday, June 29, 2019
The Lord's Supper:With desire I have desired to eat this passover supper with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God”(Luke 22:15, 16)
THE LORD’S SUPPER
As
we begin we must be careful not to confuse the last supper—the Passover
meal—with “The Lord’s Supper” which was instituted on this occasion by Christ
Himself. Jesus explained:.". .With desire I have desired to eat this passover
supper with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat
thereof, until it be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God”(Luke 22:15, 16).
An
in-depth study of the original Passover (Exodus, Chapter 12 and related
references) is not possible here; but briefly, it was a type of Christ our
Redeemer (1 Cor. 5:7b): (1) The Lamb without blemish; (2) The Lamb slain; (3)
the Lamb’s blood applied over the threshold of the heart as the perfect and
only security against judgment. and (4) the feast on the Lamb’s flesh. “the
bread of life.”
The
clause, “with desire I have desired,” was a Hebrew figure of speech. Jesus had
ardently longed for the time when he would offer Himself up. Therefore, He
greatly desired to eat with His disciples—His church—the last Passover of the
old order, and to institute the ordinance of the new order, the Lord’s Supper,
in advance of the actual Sacrifice only hours later. In type, the Passover was
first instituted and observed just before Israel’s redemption from Egypt. The
Lord’s Supper—the fulfillment of the Passover—was first instituted and
observed just before the Redeemer went to Calvary to shed the redeeming blood
for all who will believe. Both were ordinances to insure remembrance and to
incite thanksgiving and appreciation.
This
was the last Passover supper because, like the law covenant as a whole, it
would now be fulfilled by .. .the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
world” (John 1:29); yea, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”
(Rev. 13:8; see also 1 Peter 1:18-20). Of course, the Jews continued the
Passover ritual because they had refused the Redeemer who has fulfilled it.
This
ordinance is variously called “The Lord’s Supper,” because He instituted it,
and Paul so referred to it (1 Cor. 11:20); “The Holy Communion,” possibly from
Paul’s words, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion
(fellowship) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the
communion of the body of Christ?” (1 Cor. 10:16); (3) “The sacrament,” possibly
as a sacred, consecrated Christian rite; and (4) “The Eucharist’” a rite of
thanksgiving for redemption.
“For as
often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew forth the Lord’s death
till he come” (1 Cor 11:26).
____________________________________________________________
Luke 22:19.20
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks,
and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for
you; this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper
saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
THE
INSTITUTION OF THE SUPPER (Luke 22:19, 20)
First,
let us note the actual institution of this sacred ordinance. After the
Passover meal was finished, Jesus took bread and gave thanks for it; then He
broke it and gave a portion to each of the twelve, saying, “This is my body
which is given for you; this do in remembrance of me.” Next, he took the cup,
saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” The
simplicity was astounding, but the significance was profound indeed, as we
shall see. (See also Paul’s presentation in 1 Cor. 11:22.25.)
1 Corinthians 11:27-29
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this
bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body
and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself; and so
let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 for he that eateth and drinketh
unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lord’s
body
II.THE
MEANING (1 Cor. 11:27-29)
A.
A Remembrance of the Atonement: The Passover had been instituted as a
memorial to be observed annually, so that the people and their children would
not forget their blood atonement and deliverance from Egyptian bondage: “And it
shalt come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this
service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who
passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the
Egyptians, and delivered our houses” (Ex. 12:26, 27). Israel was a forgetful
people. Even with this annual memorial observance, they were prone to forget
their miraculous deliverance and to reproach their Deliverer by their
idolatry.
Now,
we of the New Testament order have been given an ordinance of remembrance, lest
we forget our blood atonement; blood that is infinitely more precious that of
which the passover blood was only a type. As Jesus instituted this ordinance,
He included the admonition, ... This do in remembrance of me.” Sad to say,
Christians too are prone to forget the deeper significance of the shed blood
and broken body of the Lord. Even in the act of observing the Lord’s Supper
there can be only a superficial understanding of its meaning.
B.
The Bread: The question is asked, “Why did Christ ordain bread to be used in
the Supper, and not a lamb? It was because the types and shadows were being
ultimately fulfilled by Christ, the true Sacrificial Lamb. He had already
declared Himself to be “that bread of life” (John 6:46). Bread is the staple
food required to sustain life. To the spiritual man—the inner man—Christ is
that “staff of life.” Unleavened bread is recommended for use in the ordinance
since leaven is a type of sin. There is no sin in Christ, “the bread of life.”
C.
The Cup: Of course, this does not mean the vessel, but its contents, “the
fruit of the vine” (Mark 14:25); or, as Christ said, “the new testament in my
blood.” Many churches specify unfermented grape juice for “the cup.” The bread
and the cup belong together. Typically. the slaying of the lamb provided the
blood of which the Lord promised, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you”
(Exo. 12:13). The slain Lamb of God provided the redeeming blood, which God
must see on our hearts as being there because we have believed on the Son of
God as the only promised and anointed Saviour of the world; our substitutional
Sacrifice. In the day of judgment, if he sees that blood, He will pass
over us with respect to His judgment of sin.
Earlier,
Jesus had said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches.... - (See John 15:1-10.)
In order to bear the fruit of a holy life, we must continually receive
nourishment from the vine, his body, and “the fruit of that vine,” His blood.
Both the vine (His flesh) and the fruit (His blood) are absolutely necessary
for the life of the branches. (See John 6:53-58 below.)
III
THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATION
A.
Christ’s Commandment: It is enough that Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of
me.” He made the necessity very clear in John 6:53-58:
“Then
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh
of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
“Whoso
eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him
up at the last day.
“For
my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed ( read Hebrews 5:12-14,
6:1-3).
“He
that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
“As
the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me,
even he shall live by me.
“This
is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna,
and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever”
Remember,
Jesus said, “if ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), and “...If a
man love me, he will keep my words...” (John 14:23). Actually, it is His Word
on which we feed. The ordinance reminds us of this fact. The bread (the meat
of the Word) the blood (the milk of the word basic principles of salvation).
B.
A Perpetual Reminder of the Lord’s Death: We understand, of course, that
participation in this ordinance is a reminder to be actual participants in the
redeemed life of which it speaks. Paul says that participation shows forth
“the Lord’s death till he come”—till He returns for His own. Thus, it calls to
mind that He will come, and that we must give account of our life unto Him. If
we are not fit to take the Communion, how could we be fit for heaven?
IV.
FITNESS FOR PARTICIPATION
At
some time during Paul’s communication with the Lord he had been instructed
concerning the Lord’s Supper: “For I have received of the Lord that which also
I delivered unto you...” (1 Cor. 11:23). Apparently, Paul was passing the
Lord’s instructions onto the participants. A reading of Ezra 6:19-21 and 2
Chronicles 30:15-20 will show that Passover participation required pure,
separated, sanctified living in order for both the priests and the people to
engage in the ordinance. Then how much more for engaging in the Lord’s Supper!
A.
Eating and Drinking Unworthily:
It
seems that the manner in which the Corinthian members had been conducting
themselves at the Supper was unworthy of the sacred occasion. Apparently, they
were having a feast before the serving of the bread and the cup, and their
discrimination against the poor was unloving and shameful. Though the two
suppers were distinguished, their conduct at the first made them unworthy to
partake of the second. Of course, Paul was addressing the Corinthian problem.
Other disorders might have been objectionable in other churches. In fact, there
were other disorders also at Corinth; the fornication issue, for instance; and
the dissension over the gift of the Spirit.
The Lord’s Supper should be administered to
children of God only. This means, to saved individuals. Of course, this would
exclude fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, the effeminate, abusers of
themselves with mankind (1 Cor. 6:9), and any others who are engaged in “the
unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11).
Paul’s
statement that the unworthy participant “eateth and drinketh damnation unto
himself” seems to be conditioned by the self-examination of verse 28 and the
judgment of verses 31 and 32. Such examination might warn the failing
individual to seek and gain God’s forgiveness before participating. Partaking
unworthily would first bring the Lord’s chastening. If the chastening was not
responded to in the fear of God, death could be the result (verse 30). Dying
without God’s forgiveness would mean “damnation.”
B.
Eating and Drinking Worthily:
It
is clearly important that we live every day and hour so as to be counted worthy
of God’s justification by grace. (See Romans 4:3-5 and 5:1, 2) Surely
sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Ghost secures that justification.
After a conscientious self-examination, and with the inward assurance that all
is well, then, “so of that cup” (1 Cor. 11:28)
Finally,
the importance of taking the Lord’s Supper may be seen in the Passover type.
(See Numbers 9:5-23.) If there were reasons for nonparticipation, provision
was made to participate a month later (verse 11), If one was “clean.” or
eligible to participate, but did not do so, that one was “cut off from among
his people” and was left to “bear his sin” (verse 13). A cup of wine was used
in the betrothal of husband and wife, if the woman refused the cup she was
declining marrying the bridegroom.
The
Lord’s Supper is certainly even more sacred than any type and shadow could be.
Therefore, every believer should be “clean,” and fit to partake at all times
and at every opportunity. Fragile excuses for non-participation are not
acceptable.
The
frequency of the observance seems to be left to the churches. “As oft as ye do
this” apparently has been interpreted variously; but “oft” hardly means “seldom.”
Some denominations observe it weekly; others less frequently.
There
is no set form for the observance of the ordinance. Some prefer the use of a
table; others administer it at the altar, or in the pews. The simplicity and
brevity as was evident at the time of its institution seems to make worthy
participation the matter of first importance. Supposedly, elaborate—even fantastic—
forms are intended to enhance the spirituality or “blessing” of the occasion.
However, if remembering our Lord’s death in our behalf is kept foremost in
mind, isn’t that what it is all about?
If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
May God through Christ bless you!
If you enjoyed this blog post and believe some else can be helped and may be blessed pass it along:
If you have a prayer request or have questions that need clarification please contact me at: neverstoppraying8@gmail.com
The Feast of Passover: Introduction Part 1
THE FEAST OF
PASSOVER
There
are three parts to the Feast of Passover:
1.
The Feast of
Passover
2.
The Feast of
Unleavened Bread
3.
The Festival of
the Sheaf of the First Fruits
I. The Story In
Brief:
When
the time came for deliverance of the nation of Israel out of Egypt, “the house
of bondage” (Ex 13:3-14), God gave specific instructions concerning the means
of deliverance. It was in the message of the Passover Lamb that Moses actually
preached the gospel to the Israelites, and all could either accept or reject
the gospel message.
The
heads of each household were to take a lamb of the first year on the tenth day
of the first month and set it aside until the fourteenth day. In the evening of
the fourteenth day the lamb was to be killed, and it’s blood sprinkled on the
lintel and the two side posts of the household door. The household itself was
to feast upon the body of the lamb roasted with fire, with bitter herbs and
unleavened bread. They were to eat it in haste, and be dressed ready to leave
Egypt at the midnight hour.
At
midnight the death angel would pass through the land and every house that did
not have the token of the blood upon the door post would suffer judgment . This
judgment was the death of the first born, of both man and beast. The Lord said
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you and the plague shall not be upon
you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt” (Ex 12:12). Thus the Feast
of Passover originated in the passing over of the angel of death over the blood
sprinkled doors of the Israelites or any
of the Egyptians who cared to believe the gospel word.
The
title (Hebrew “Pesach”) translated
Passover, means “a passing over, or to
pass or hover over.” There is a double meaning
of the word “Passover” one is in judgment of the death angel, but that
also of that “hovering over” in divine protection as a hen would cover her
chickens (Psa 91:1-4). Thus judgment and mercy are linked in the Passover Feast
according to the faith and obedience or of the unbelief and disobedience of the
persons of each household, be they Jews or Egyptians. All were forbidden to go
outside the door of the house until the Lord brought them forth in the hour of
their deliverance.
The
Lord also told them that they were to celebrate the Feast yearly and explain to
their children what the whole service meant in its original setting.
A. Passover,
The Beginning of Months- Abib (AVIV) or Nisan Ex 12:2;
13:4
The
Feast of Passover was the beginning
of months for Israel. It became the first month of the sacred year to the
nation. Here God changed the calendar for them. The Past or the previous six
months were forgotten as God introduced the new calendar for them, it
was a new beginning. The name of
the Month is also significant “Abib” also called Nisan. Abib means “green
or sprouting.” Of course this month falls in the season of spring. Hence we
see that it represents “New Life.” Green is the color of new life,
we speak about people being green or new or inexperienced . Thus we can see
this speaks of being new creatures in Christ Jesus, old things are passed away,
everything has become New (Green) (2 Cor 5:17). This Feast
was therefore the foundation of their experience with God. The very fact that it
took place in the first month, the beginning of months, shows us that God had
more in mind for them in the months that lay ahead. This will be seen in the
subsequent Feasts.
So
for the believer in Christ, receiving Jesus as the Lamb of God is but the beginning of one’s
experience in God. It is the first, the foundational experience upon which all
the rest builds, but there is more to follow. Salvation is not a destination,
rather but the beginning of a great journey or pilgrimage. The New Birth is the
beginning of our New Covenant relationship (Jn 3:5). No believer should get
saved and satisfied or stop at this feast, but move on and celebrate the other
Feasts as well. Jesus Christ is the beginning of all things, when he comes as
the Lamb of God, he changes the calendar from B.C. to A.D.
B. The Four
Days of The Hidden Lamb- Ex 12:3-6
God
commanded Israel to take a lamb on the tenth day and set it aside until the
fourteenth day of the first month. In others words the lamb chosen was ordained
to die in due time. As believers we can see God’s plan of redemption in
Jesus Christ. On the week of crucifixion Jesus entered in on the tenth day, and
on the fourteenth day was slain, four days later according to the type. But
also we see that “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when
it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4, 2 Pet 3:8), A thousand
years is as one day to the Lord, thus Jesus was hidden from Israel’s view four
days, four thousand years, before he was revealed as “the Lamb of God” though
he was set aside before the foundation of the world. When Adam sinned, God set his lamb aside
“Jesus Christ” for death. Jesus was fore-ordained to die. From Adam to the times
of Christ we have four days to the Lord.
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not
redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain
conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [20] Who verily was foreordained before the
foundation of the world, but was
manifest in these last times for you,”( 1 Peter 1:18-20). “And all that dwell upon the earth shall
worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the
Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Rev. 13:8.) Read also
(Jn 1:29,36; Eph 1:3-5, 9-12; Eph 3:10-11). In addition when Israel selected
their lambs on the tenth day they would bring it home with them to prepare for
the atonement in four days. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday the day
set aside to select a lamb for a house, and The Father had selected his lamb
for his house and brought him to his temple. Selah!
If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
May God through Christ bless you!
If you enjoyed this blogpost and believe some else can be helped and may be blessed pass it along:
If you have a prayer request or have questions that need clarification please contact me at: neverstoppraying8@gmail.com
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