Text: Matthew 26:26-29
Institution
- By Christ
- During the time of Passover (Matthew 26:2,17)
- Shortly before Jesus’ death (Matthew 26:2)
Elements
- Unleavened bread (Matthew 26:17; Exodus 12:15) — represents His body (Hebrews 10:5,10)
- Fruit of the vine — represents His blood; blood of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:14-16,22-24)
Purpose
- Commemorate the death of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:26)
- Causes us to remember His death — bread (body) = willing sacrifice (John 10:17-18); fruit of the vine (blood) = atonement for sins (Hebrews 9:14; Ephesians 1:7)
Where It Would Be Observed — in the assembly (Acts 20:7; 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11:17-20,33-34)
When It Would Be Observed
- Time frame — from the kingdom until the Lord’s return (Matthew 26:29; 1 Corinthians 11:26)
- Frequency — every first day of the week is necessarily implied: standard practice (Acts 20:7), regular practice (1 Corinthians 11:26), weekly assembly (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Partake in a Worthy Manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-28)
