The Meaning of the Lord’s Supper

Many homes have two sets of dishes. The everyday plates are used for daily meals. The “good china,” however, is often stored in a cupboard or put on display. Sometimes it is more expensive than the ordinary plates but it does not have to be. What sets it apart is its special use.

The Lord’s Supper is a sacred meal in the same way. The elements that comprise the church’s supper are ordinary, made up of things we might eat and drink on a daily basis. What sets the Lord’s Supper apart is its meaning. This sacred meaning was not an invention of the church but was assigned to the meal by Jesus on the night He instituted it with His disciples. The observance of the Lord’s Supper is a Christian practice handed down from Jesus to His disciples with instructions for them to continue it. Jesus commanded the church to observe this tradition as a rite of remembrance (vv. 24–25).

The Lord’s Supper focuses our attention on Jesus’ work on our behalf. Each element used in the meal highlights one aspect of this sacrifice. The bread points to the offering of Christ’s body, “which is for you” (v. 24). This language highlights the substitutionary nature of Christ’s death on the Cross. Jesus offered Himself on our behalf.

The cup points to Christ’s blood, reminding us of His life, death, and resurrection (see Lev. 17:11). Jesus took the cup of blessing during Passover with His disciples and told them to drink from it: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20; Matt. 26:27). The New Covenant, which was prophesied by Jeremiah, promised a transforming righteousness that would reorient lives toward God by changing the heart and providing forgiveness (Jer. 33:33–35).

Pray with Us

Health Service personnel, Ann Meyer and Kevin Thomas, are always there for the students and employees when we need help. Would you include them in your prayers today, as they use their medical knowledge for the benefit of others?

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.