2/7/10 Mark 14
The Lord’s Supper
(Mk 14:22) 22While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.”
The Lord’s Supper is one of two ordinances of the church. The Lord ’s Supper differs from baptism in that baptism is only to occur once after the profession of faith, but the Lord’s supper is to be repeated regularly as a symbol of participating with Christ by faith. There are no set guidelines as to what words are to be spoken or how often the ordinance should be observed. The observance of this ordinance is meant to be simple. The Lord ’s Supper has several different names; The Lord’s Supper, Communion, The Last Supper, Catholics call it the Eucharist. There are several differences in how the meal is to be performed and what takes place during the meal, but the more important element is who should participate. Participation in the Lord’s Supper is reserved for those who identify with the body and blood of Jesus Christ, which indicate Jesus’ saving work on the cross, which would mean only those who have been saved or born anew by the Spirit of God. Participation also indicates that a person is continuing to share in the fruits of Jesus’ death, which includes communion with the Father and with other believers by the Spirit in holiness and mutual love.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for the awesome work of Jesus Christ where I have been given communion with you through his broken body and shed blood. I also thank you for Jesus’ work on the cross which has given me a unique fellowship with other believers who identify with the body and blood. Jesus you are, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” (Rev 5:12) In Jesus Name, Amen.