The Lord's Supper

 
God's Word is rich and abundant - by that, I mean that the Bible has many layers and depth of application and substance, from the simple to the profound.  I've noticed that it never becomes "exhausted" no matter how many times I read it.  God's Word is always new, valuable, needed, and on target.

This week, the week before Easter, is Holy Week.  On Thursday the church will observe Maundy Thursday, the day when Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples.  

One of our Lutheran distinctives is our view of communion.  Lutherans believe that Jesus is present in the supper - and not just spiritually or just as a memorial.  We believe it because the Bible says it.

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”  Matthew 26:27-28

Lutherans also believe that there is a very real forgiveness of sins associated with communion.  We believe it, because God's Word says it:  "poured out...for the forgiveness of sins."

I've read the account of the Passover meal many times.  But Luke records something I often overlooked:

And [Jesus] said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."  Luke 22:15

Even knowing that the cross was coming, Jesus was looking forward to this particular Passover.  

During this meal with His disciples, Jesus instituted an "event" that the church regularly observes - what we call communion or the Lord's Supper. 

“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  Luke 22:19

And just as God's Word is read and preached every Sunday, my church observes the Lord's Supper every Sunday.  And, like His Word, His Supper is always new, valuable, needed, and on target.

But I read those words, "I earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you," and I have to think that Jesus was also eagerly anticipating instituting the Lord's Supper.  He was instituting it for His disciples...and He was instituting it for me.

And, like Jesus, I too anticipate and desire the Lord's Supper.  I earnestly desire to partake of it.  

"...Take,eat...this is my body...drink...this is my blood...for the forgiveness of sins...do this in remembrance of me..." 

Always desired, always needed, never exhausted - and given for you.