The Lord's Supper
Scripture
Matthew 26:17-30
Mark 14:12-26
Luke 22:7-30
Similar Passage
Jesus Washes His
Disciples' Feet
Commentary
These three accounts all say virtually the same
thing except for a few minor details. John's account
includes the washing of the disciples' feet and is commented on
separately.
Despite the theological significance of the
Lord's Supper, there is little to be commented on. There
are different interpretations as to what takes place in the
celebration of the Lord's Supper. Catholics believe that
the bread and wine are literally transformed into the body and
blood of Christ. This is known as transubstantiation.
Martin Luther taught that Christ's body and
blood were somehow in the bread and wine. This is also
taught in the Anglican church as well as the Lutheran church.
This is known as consubstantiation.
To many protestants, the Lord's Supper is simply
a memorial to remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
By taking part in the celebration of the Last Supper, Christians
use a symbol for the body and blood of Christ in the bread and
wine.
It is worth noting that the Lord's Supper is not
a new celebration but rather it took place at the celebration of
the Passover. Many Christians will point out the fact that
the Passover was symbolic of Christ's sacrifice and therefore it
is recommended to see the celebration of the Lord's Supper as a
continuation of this symbol. The sacrifice of the Passover
lamb is replaced with the once for all sacrifice of Jesus.
The Last Supper is then done in remembrance of the sacrifice.
|