The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper goes by many different names: Holy Communion, the Eucharist, The Sacrament of the Altar, the Mass. Regardless of what term is used to name it, the Lord's Supper is the final section of the Small Catechism and receiving the Lord's Supper is the high point for us as Confirmands this morning.

The Bible tells us that all people should receive Holy Baptism for their salvation, regardless of age. However, the Lord's Supper is to be received only after a proper self-examination of one's own sins and one's own faith. Saint Paul writes in the tenth chapter of First Corinthians: "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."

This is why the Lord's Supper is not given to infants and those not old enough to evaluate their own spiritual condition.

The Lord's Supper is a holy Sacrament. That means it is a way that the forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation is freely given by God's grace. The Sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper can only be received when God creates in our heart trust in the Word of God. By faith we believe Jesus when he says, "This is my body, given for you." "This is my blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."

There are two elements when it comes to the Sacraments. In the case of Holy Baptism, the heavenly ingredient is the Word of God. The earthly ingredient is water. When it comes to Holy Communion, the heavenly element is the Word of God (often called the Words of Institution), while the earthly elements are bread and wine.

We believe that everyone receives four things when they receive the Sacrament of the Altar: the body and blood of Christ in, with and under the bread and wine. Jesus is truly present as we commune. We receive his true body and blood. The bread and wine don't simply represent Jesus' body and blood, they are in communion with our Lord's body and blood.

In the Lord's Supper Jesus gives us his body and blood in, with and under the bread and wine for the forgiveness of all our sins and the strengthening of our Christian faith. The Lord's Supper isn't for "super-Christians" who have conquered sin on their own. The Lord's Supper is for weak and broken and repentant Christians who need Christ to forgive and encourage and comfort them.

What are some other requirements of those who come to the altar rail? They should be baptized Christians who have received instruction in what the Lord's Supper is all about, so they can receive Christ's body and blood hidden under the bread and wine for their spiritual benefit. Those who take the Lord's Supper not believing Christ's true presence at the altar take the Holy Meal to their spiritual harm. It is a dangerous thing to receive the Lord's Supper not recognizing the presence of Christ. This is why the pastor and elders here at Redeemer want the Confirmands to have a good understanding of what is going on in Holy Communion.

The blessings of the Lord's Supper are many. We enjoy a blessed communion or fellowship with Christ. And we also enjoy "the communion of saints," fellowship with all believers in Jesus (in this congregation and on heaven and earth). Holy Communion is our "foretaste of the feast to come" with all God's people in heaven.

If we do not make regular use of the gift of the Lord's Supper, we are neglecting the opportunity for Jesus to strengthen our faith. It is my desire to always receive it, give thanks for it, and continue to deepen my understanding of this great blessing that connects me to Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew Haines, 5/23/2010