In this Bible study series called "Remember" it is appropriate that we include a lesson about the memorial Supper which Jesus instituted. This is a chart lesson based on 1Corinthians 11:20-34.

The Lord’s Supper is...
A Memorial in Our Hearts

1Co 11:24

"Do this in remembrance of me."

We look BACKWARD to the cross

The Lord’s Supper is a memorial supper, a ceremony of remembrance. When we partake of the unleavened bread, we remember that Christ’s body was cruelly treated and nailed to the cross. When we partake of the fruit of the vine, we remember that the blood of Christ was poured out of his body. His body and blood were a sacrifice for our sins (Heb 10:19-20).

The Lord’s Supper is...
An Example in Our Lives

1Co 11:26

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death..."

We look OUTWARD to the lost

When we assemble to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we are making a statement that Christ died for the world, and we set an example to all those who observe us keeping our weekly appointment with the Lord at his table. This includes the lost. Going to the Supper is preaching by example. Anyone can preach Christ in this manner (Col 4:5).

The Lord’s Supper is...
A Link Between Us and Heaven

1Co 11:26

"...eat this bread and drink this cup... till he come."

We look FORWARD to eternity

For each of us individually, "till he comes" means "till I die". That is why the hymn writer called it "the little while between". We know that eternity could be upon any one of us at any moment either by death or by the Lord’s return. The Lord’s Supper week by week helps us stay focussed on the real purpose of this short life (Jas 4:14, Rev 3:3).

The Lord’s Supper is...
A Focus for Self Examination

1Co 11:28

"Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup."

We look INWARD to ourselves

We are to partake of the Lord’s Supper in a spirit of self examination. When we examine ourselves honestly, we find ourselves unrighteous without Christ, and greatly in need of the sacrifice he made. We see his death as our life. The Lord’s Supper encourages us to re-dedicate ourselves to being crucified with Christ and letting him live in us (Rom 12:3, Gal 2:20).

The Lord’s Supper is...
A Way We Give Recognition to Christ

1Co 11:29 compare v.27

"He eats and drinks judgment to himself who does not judge the body (and the blood of the Lord) rightly."

We look UPWARD to the glorious Christ

We judge Christ’s body rightly when we recognise that Christ in the flesh was killed as a sacrifice for sin, that he was then raised up from the dead, and that he later ascended into heaven and was glorified (Acts 2:23-24). He lives and reigns as Lord in glory today (Acts 3:13). At the Lord’s Table, we eat and drink in recognition and discernment of these truths.

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