137. 1CO 11:26. THE LORD’S SUPPER

1Co_11:26. The Lord’s Supper

"Ye do show the Lord’s death till he come."’971Co_11:26.

The subject connected with the text is that of believers’ commemorating the death of Jesus by regarding the ordinance of his Supper. The text especially refers to the symbolical import of this ordinance, which is "showing forth the Lord’s death till he come."

Let us consider,

I. In what Way we exhibit Christ’s Death in this Ordinance.

1. The elements used exhibit the manner of his death.

Bread, the symbol of his body; wine, the symbol of his blood. Bread broken, the symbol of the torn and afflicted body of Jesus, when he was smitten, scourged, crowned with thorns, and his hands and feet pierced and mangled with the nails, &c. Wine poured out, exhibiting the blood, the life of Christ, shed as a ransom for sin, especially when his side was pierced, and there came forth a fountain of blood and water.

2. This ordinance exhibits the design of Christ’s death.

Wherefore did he suffer? What evil had he done? Was he not holy and without fault’97a spotless lamb? He suffered for sin, and the welfare of sinners. He gave his body to be the food of the world; his blood, to remove the misery of the world. See Joh_10:11-15. "He said, This is my body, broken for you;" ver. 24. In this ordinance,

3. We perceive the manner by which we become interested in Christ’s death.

That is, by personal participation; not by a knowledge of it, or reflection, or desires; but by eating his flesh and drinking his blood. We must truly and really receive Christ into our hearts by faith. Joh_6:33.

4. We perceive in this ordinance the influence Christ’s death will have upon us.

It will lead to an affectionate remembrance of Christ, of his person, of his love, of his sorrows. And how necessary it is, that we should thus remember him! How necessary to keep his cross before our eyes! How calculated it is to lead to increased hatred of sin, sell-abasement, and growing attachment to Christ! Notice,

II. Christ’s Death must be exhibited in this Ordinance till he come:

Until that glorious day,

1. His church will stand in need of ordinances, and especially of this.

We walk now by faith; and here faith is quickened and strengthened, love inflamed, hope brightened. This ordinance stands, as it were, midway between hit first and second advent; on this elevation we look back on what he has done for us, and forwards, to the completion of all his mediatorial undertakings, when he will appear the second time, without a sin-offering, to salvation.

2. When Christ comes, this, with other ordinances, will be superseded.

Then, we shall not have to lament his absence. Then, faith will be exchanged for sight, and hope lost in happy fruition Then, the dispensation of grace and truth shall be succeeded by an eternity of glory and enjoyment in his immediate presence, where there is fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore. Let us,

III. Urge this Duty of exhibiting Christ’s Death upon all Believers.

1. Our faith and obedience should oblige us to it.

If our faith has laid hold of Jesus, shall we not prize him? Will he not be precious to us? Shall we not wish to see him always, and in every ordinance? Will it not be disloyalty to slight his dying command? Can we be consistent, and slight this affecting and interesting ordinance? We are bound to observe it,

2. From our love and gratitude to Him.

Here, indeed, we perceive that Christ’s love to us exceeded his love to his own life, for he laid down his life for us. Here we may learn the debt of gratitude we owe. If we love him, we shall keep especially this commandment. If we are grateful, it will be seen in our strict regard of this holy ordinance.

3. Our own happiness and well-being demanded it.

Ordinances are for our interest, for our improvement, and growth in grace and holiness. They are the wells from whence we draw the water of life; the banquet where we eat and drink, and are refreshed with the provisions of God’s house. Neglect must produce leanness and barrenness of soul.

4. We owe it to the church and to the world to exhibit Christ’s death.

It is the church’s family rite; as her sons we must be present. The cross is the world’s only hope, and it must be elevated. We must not conceal Christ’s death, but display it, and commemorate it. For it is by Christ being lifted up, that he will draw all men unto him.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS