Sacraments - The Lord's Supper
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: FWPSM
Luke 22:7-30 (ESV)
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
28 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, 29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Sermon Outline
What are we doing (v19) when we participate in the Lord’s Supper?
1. Celebrating
v7 “the day of unleavened bread, on which the Passover…”
v19 “took the bread… this is my body”
v20 “likewise, the cup after they had eaten… in my blood”
2. Remembering
v19 “do this in remembrance of me”
v7 “on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed”
v27 “but I am among you as one who serves”
3. Renewing
v20 “the cup… poured out for you is the new covenant”
v21 “the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table”
v28 “you are those who have stayed with me in my trials”
Prayer of Confession
Our great God and redeemer, we appeal to you for mercy. We struggle with sin and its various influences and manifestations. At times we are overwhelmed by wrongdoing and condemnation. Today we remember Jesus, who came as a servant and was condemned on our behalf. We remember his broken body and poured out blood, and we humbly ask for grace and help. Help us to grasp the profound reality of what Jesus has done. Help us to turn from sin and folly and to live by the Spirit. Help us as we seek to remain with you. Help us to become people who celebrate because of the great salvation Jesus accomplished for us. Thank you for all that you have done and for all you have promised to do. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
When you have been present at a church when the Lord’s Supper was observed, what did you see? What happens that is important? What do you watch for, take note of, etc.?
In what ways is the observance of the Lord’s Supper a celebration? What are we celebrating?
Why is it important to remember that Jesus suffered for us? What are some specific things that are helpful to remember?
How are we to remember? What is important for us to do in order that remembering proves effective in our spiritual growth?
What are some of your most significant memories? Are the memories that impact you the most positive? How is your present shaped by having rehearsed certain memories over the years?
What do the signs of bread and wine signify? Why bread and wine?
How can the weekly process of taking communion help form a new identity? What can instill healthy ways of thinking, of understanding yourself, or interpreting your experience in the world?
What are some things you can do during the whole communion section of the worship service as your regular pattern of communion with God and His people? What are best ways of engaging in?: a) confession of sin and confession of faith b) observing the pastor use the words of Jesus as he breaks bread and holds up the cup c) using the time where everyone is being served the elements d) receiving the elements and eating and drinking?