Lesson #96: Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

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Shorter Catechism Q & A #96

Q. What is the Lord’s supper?

A. The Lord’s supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, his death is shewed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.

Memorize Q&A—Exposition

By Christ’s ‘appointment’ the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is to be observed in the fellowship of his Church; “to be a bond and pledge of their communion with Him, and with each other, as members of His mystical body” (Westminster Confession 29.1).

What does it mean?

Discuss the meaning of the ‘blood’ and ‘body’ of Christ as used in the receiving of the Lord’s Supper:

• 1 Cor. 10:16, 11:24-26;
• Matt.26:26-27

What is our practice?

Discuss the presence of Christ and our faith in receiving of the bread and wine in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper:

• 1 Cor. 11:23-26
• Eph.3:17

The sacrament encourages us to discipline ourselves in the study of the Word of God, thus receiving spiritual nourishments and growing in the grace of God in Christ Jesus.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

What is the Lord’s Supper? “It is a visible sermon, wherein Christ crucified is set before us; or, it is a sacrament of the New Testament, wherein by receiving the holy elements of bread and wine, our communion with Christ is signified and sealed up to us; or it is a sacrament divinely instituted, wherein by giving and receiving bread and wine, Christ’s death is showed forth, and the worthy receivers by faith are made partakers of his body and blood, and all the benefits flowing from thence.” (Thomas Watson)

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