Memory Verse: “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)
Scripture Reading: Exodus 12:5-28 / Luke 22:7-20
Introduction:
Beginning with the thirteenth chapter, John’s record of the Gospel changes from ministry for the Jews to special instructions for His disciples. About twenty-four hours before He died on the cross, Jesus instructed Peter and John regarding preparations for the Last Supper. That night Jesus and the twelve disciples assembled in the Upper Room and prepared for the Passover, which for centuries pointed forward to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. That night Jesus instituted a new ordinance as a memorial of His death—the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-27). The Church would be relieved of carnal sacrifices, ordinances, and “works of righteousness” because of the Perfect Sacrifice on the cross. The sacrifice of the Lamb of God, without blemish, would be perfect and complete in atoning power. Former Mosaic sacrifices, performed to atone for sins, could have no spiritual significance after the cross, as far as salvation through Christ was concerned (Hebrews 9:1-10).
Since ancient time the elders would teach the younger that the sacrifice of the lamb was in remembrance of Jews being set free from slavery to the Egyptians. In place of this Jesus instituted the partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine annually in remembrance of us being set free from the slavery of sin by His perfect sacrifice (Colossians 2:17). Jesus said, “do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
The way the ancient Passover Feast was observed, annually in its season, and since our Lord introduced the new ordinance at the feast season, it is reasonable that we follow these Biblical examples and observe the Lord’s Supper annually. Paul’s expression, “the same night in which he was betrayed took bread,” (1 Corinthians 11:23) gives further emphasis to an annual observance.
While our salvation is a completely spiritual operation, two symbolic ordinances were given to the Church by which it would acknowledge this spiritual operation through an open demonstration of faith. These two symbolic ordinances are water baptism and the Lord’s Supper, both being confirmed and instituted by our Lord. In baptism, it is not the literal water that cleanses the individual from sin, but it is the blood of the Lamb. In like manner, we are not changed inwardly by literally eating unleavened bread or drinking the “fruit of the vine.” Neither can it be claimed that these symbols do anything for us if we have never been converted and spiritually redeemed—a new creature in Christ Jesus. However, if we are born again (John 3:3) and belong to Christ, we are compelled by His Spirit to enter into this spiritual communion which He instituted as a demonstration of our faith in His atonement on the cross. In this, we are annually confessing our abiding life and communion in Christ (John 14:15).
Study Questions:
- Why was the deliverance from Egypt of special importance in God’s plan for Israel? Exodus 3:6-10; Psalm 105:43-45. Note: The deliverance from Egypt was the fulfillment of the prophecy made by God in Genesis 15:13.
- When was the first Passover instituted? Exodus 12:1-2, 6. Why was Israel to observe this ordinance annually? Exodus 12:14, 24-28, 42, 50-51.
- Why was the ancient Passover Lamb to be without blemish? Exodus 12:5; 1 Peter 1:17-19; 1 John 3:5. Why is the unleavened symbol used in this service? Exodus 12:15, 19; Deuteronomy 16:3.
- What instruction was given to Peter and John as recorded in Luke 22:7-13, and Matthew 26:17-18? When did Jesus and His disciples assemble in the Upper Room? Matthew 26:19-20; Mark 14:16-17.
- When is the Lord’s Supper to be observed? Leviticus 23:5; Deuteronomy 16:1-6; 1 Corinthians 11:2, 23-26.
- Who should participate in this ordinance? Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2. Note: It is believed by some that only baptized members of God’s family should participate in this ordinance based on Exodus 12:48 and Colossians 2:11-12.
- How should individuals prepare themselves for observance of this annual event? Why? 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 11:27-32.
- What other ordinance (example of humility) was given in connection with the Lord’s Supper, that is to be observed? John 13:2-5, 14-15.