Here in Luke 22:7-23, we find Christ instructing His disciples on making preparation for the Passover meal. This event is also referred to as the Last Supper because this would be the last meal before Christ’s arrest and crucifixion. This was the first day of the entire eight-day event known as the Passover Week celebrated each year by the Jews.  On that first day, Passover lambs were sacrificed (Mark 14:12) followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

1. The Lord’s Supper was instituted at the Last Passover.

• The Purposes of the Passover
• The purpose of the Passover was to remember God’s deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt.
• The purpose of the Passover was to point to the ultimate sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God: Christ, whose blood would cover the sins of those who believe in Him, the Lord, in whom we have trusted as Savior.
• The Passover ended with the institution of the Lord’s Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:15-20)
• The Last Passover began the first Lord’s Supper.

2. The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance, not a sacrament.

• Definition of an Ordinance
  • A practice established by Christ with a command for believers to carry out that practice. (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16)
• Definition of a Sacrament
  • A religious rite that is considered a means of grace and, therefore, part of salvation.
  • We do not partake of the Lord’s Supper to receive forgiveness of sins, but we partake out of obedience to the Lord’s command to believers.
  • We do not believe the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament but an ordinance of the church.

3. The Lord’s Supper is called Communion. Why?

• ”Communion” is the Greek word koinonia and means to “have in common, to   participate, have partnership with, fellowship.”
  • Paul used this word to refer to the Lord’s Supper. (1 Corinthians 10:16)
  • When we take the Lord’s Supper, we are worshipping in communion with one another around the body and blood of the Lord, in whom we have trusted as Savior.

4 . The Lord’s Supper has four main purposes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-32)

• It is to remember all Christ went through on the cross. (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)
• It is to preach the cross to one another. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
• It is to anticipate the return of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
• It is to encourage self-examination and a life of purity. (1 Corinthians 11:27-32)