Matthew 26:26-30 records the facts on the Lords Supper, communion also known as the Eucharist. We know that it took place during the time of the Passover. In fact we even know the exact time during the Passover meal as it was instituted right between the third and fourth cups of wine. The Passover meal is a big meal in which you are not only eating but listening to the production with things you say. Throughout the ceremony, they would be four times when they would all share a glass of wine together.
• First they would say, “I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.”
• Second, they would say, “I will free you from being slaves.”
• Third, they would say, “I will free you with an outstretched arm.”
• Lastly, they would say, “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.”
They had just drank the third cup together and had all said, “I will free you with an outstretched arm.” And right before the fourth cup and said together “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.”
Jesus choose to institute The Lord’s supper right in between those two statements. Think of the reality of what Jesus was doing here as He was telling them, “I’m freeing you from sin, with My death upon the cross.” “That will be the sole basis of your relationship with me; celebrate it; realize that it is because of this that I will take you as my own and be your God.” “This is my promise to you, my covenant to you!”
It is here that He took up the unleavened bread, broke it, blessed it, and said, “This is my body.” The word Eucharist is taken from right here, as it means “blessed it.” Think of it: who is giving thanks here? It is Jesus. Jesus is giving God the Father thanks for the opportunity to purchase us back to God.
Next time you are bummed out, think of this: “Jesus is saying thank you for the opportunity to suffer the worst kind of death for something that you did, all that you might be restored to fellowship with the Father.” Man, does he ever love us!
“Take, eat.” You cannot be saved until you have taken Jesus into your life and allowed Him to sustain you! That’s what it is all about!
Now according to verses 27-28 this cup would have been the one in which they would say, “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.” And it becomes the new agreement (covenant) between God and man. The word “shed” or “poured out” points back to Lev. 8:15, where we are told that only in the sin offering is the blood poured out upon the altar. So this blood represents a covenant by which you will be My people and I will be your God. It is by My sacrifice for your sins. Or if you will, it is His sacrifice and our sins; and when we partake of the bread we are agreeing with that statement!
Verse 29-30 reminds us that the Covenants were entered into by eating and drinking together, and so when we partake of it, we are agreeing to the terms, which are that we are only saved by faith in Jesus finished work on the cross; furthermore, we are sustained by it! The Lord’s supper is all about His sacrifice and our rejoicing in it, thanking Him for it!
Folks, if a person takes part in communion without being saved, it does them only harm. This is a celebration for the living, not the dead!
Now we know that the hymn sung at the close would have been Psalm 136. Over and over in this 26-verse psalm is repeated, the words, “For His mercy (loving kindness) endures forever.”.
It is now time for us to celebrate the Lord’s Supper together, so let’s spend some time in thanksgiving.