The Lord’s Supper

Mar 24, 2019 By: Pastor Joseph LoSardo Series: Messiah in Matthew Scripture: Matthew 26:17-30
In preparation for His impending crucifixion on the eve of Passover, Jesus desired to eat one final Passover meal with His disciples. The text from verses 17 through 25 of Matthew 26, prior to Jesus presiding over the Passover meal which would become known as “The Lord’s Supper,” is filled with intensity as Jesus announces that one unnamed disciple who was present at the table, would betray Him. In sorrow, each disciple examines himself wondering whether the sin in his own heart was capable of betraying their friend and Lord. This is illustrative of the self-examination process before the Supper that the apostle Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. All disciples ought to review their lives before partaking in Holy Communion. While there is joy at the Lord’s Supper, it is not so without repentance. The disciples’ common question, “Is it I, Lord?” is meant to draw the Christian reader into the story, asking the very same question of ourselves. Sadly, despite being a witness of much grace, Judas still did not repent. Rather than completely upsetting the evening with any further controversy, after the meal, Jesus takes the unleavened bread and cup of wine, and after praying the appropriate Passover blessing, He instructs His disciples to: “Take, eat; … drink of it, all of you.” And with that, the blessed and comforting institution of the Lord’s Supper began to serve the church for two millennia, invoking the spiritual presence of the Lord Jesus Christ with us every time we gather and remember His death, anticipating the Day when He will drink it new with us in His Father’s kingdom.