1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
I. More Than a Ritual
- Communion is not just routine—it is sacred.
- It is a declaration of faith and a personal proclamation of the gospel.
- Jesus didn’t create communion in the upper room—He fulfilled something that began thousands of years earlier.
II. The Foundation – Old Testament Foreshadowing
The Passover – Exodus 12
- God delivered His people through the blood of a lamb.
- “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
- The lamb was a substitute, the blood a covering, and the meal a memorial.
The Covenant – Exodus 24:8
- “Behold the blood of the covenant…”
- God’s promises were sealed in blood—a sign of life, cleansing, and commitment.
The Prophets – Isaiah 53, Psalm 22
- Isaiah: “He was pierced for our transgressions.”
- Psalm 22: “They have pierced my hands and feet… they divide my garments among them.”
- These weren’t accidents—they were previews of Christ.
III. The Fulfillment – Jesus Institutes Communion
Luke 22:19–20
- “This is my body, given for you… This cup is the new covenant in my blood.”
- Jesus redefined the Passover: He was the true Lamb.
- Communion became the symbol of a new, eternal covenant.
IV. The Practice – The Early Church Continued the Tradition
Acts 2:42
- “They devoted themselves… to the breaking of bread.”
- Communion was a regular, foundational part of worship.
Acts 20:7
- “On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread.”
- Weekly practice rooted in remembrance and proclamation.
1 Corinthians 11:23–28
- Paul reminds the church of Jesus’ words and calls for self-examination.
- Communion is not casual—it is sacred.
V. The Meaning – Why We Still Do This
- Remembrance – Luke 22:19 – We remember Christ’s sacrifice.
- Proclamation – 1 Corinthians 11:26 – We declare our faith.
- Participation – 1 Corinthians 10:16 – We join with Christ in covenant.
- Anticipation – Revelation 19:9 – One day, we will feast with Him face-to-face.
VI. Reflection Before the Table
- Have I been approaching communion with reverence?
- Is there unconfessed sin in my heart?
- Do I remember the weight of what this means?
- Am I proclaiming Christ with my life as well as my lips?
“You’re invited to the table—not because you’re worthy, but because the Lamb was.”