58 Purpose of the Lord's Supper

What and why? The reason for which we eat (food) can provide clarity for why we take communion and what Jesus chose, bread and wine, reveals depth of the gospel. Why do we eat? It can be one of three reasons - force, need, or desire. We will explore which one of these depicts how we should come to the Lord's Table. Why bread? It is a perfect representation of who Jesus is. It transcends culture, it is universally available to all, it is accessible and affordable, it sustains life, it is broken. It was unleavened to be immediately available. Jesus fills all of those characteristics. Why wine (and importance of which cup was used).The Passover meal had 4
cups, Jesus used the third, the one that represented God redeeming Israel out of bondage with His outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment - the cup of redemption. His wrath was only turned aside IF the blood of the lamb had been applied. Jesus takes this cup and says, "This is my blood...poured out for many." This is the table to which we have been invited to come. Jesus is not physically present in the elements but it is also more than just a memorial because partaking in an unworthy manner brings judgment on us. It is a real participation with in the body and blood of Christ I Cor. 10:16.We are celebrating our union with Christ spiritually being lifted up to heaven where He is seated at the right hand of God the Father. We eat and drink because we WANT to, it delights us because of what HE has done. We are expressing our faith and delight in the finished (He died and rose for us) and future ( He is coming back to take us home) work of Christ for us.