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• The Lord's Supper (Eucharist)

The Breaking of Bread

The most primitive term for what Christians do at the Lord's Table is "the breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42). This action in the early Christian assembly recalls how Jesus became present to his disciples in the breaking of bread at Emmaus and in other postresurrection appearances. The breaking of bread was an occasion of great joy, as the risen Jesus became present to his assembled followers.

The Lord’s Supper, Part 1

Protestants commonly use the term Lord's Supper for the act of worship that centers about the table of the Lord. The Lord's Supper originated with Jesus' last supper with his disciples, in the context of the Passover, and shares with the Passover the theme of the Lord's deliverance of Israel. As interpreted in the Gospels and by Paul, the Lord's Supper is symbolic of Christ's death, a memorial that places the worshiper at the Cross. It is the ratification of the covenant between the Lord and the people of God, an emblem of the communion or mutual participation of all members of the body of Christ. The Supper is a proclamation of the gospel and a symbol of faith in Christ.

The Lord's Supper, Part 2

Protestants commonly use the term Lord's Supper for the act of worship that centers about the table of the Lord. The Lord's Supper originated with Jesus' last supper with his disciples, in the context of the Passover, and shares with the Passover the theme of the Lord's deliverance of Israel. As interpreted in the Gospels and by Paul, the Lord's Supper is symbolic of Christ's death, a memorial that places the worshiper at the Cross. It is the ratification of the covenant between the Lord and the people of God, an emblem of the communion or mutual participation of all members of the body of Christ. The Supper is a proclamation of the gospel and a symbol of faith in Christ.

Eucharist In Scripture

Although the New Testament offers several versions of Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper, or Eucharist, common themes emerge. In observing the Lord's Supper, the church puts the worshiper in contact with the redemptive death of Jesus-the act that has brought the church into being as one body, the eschatological new covenant community.

The Lord’s Supper as Covenant Meal

The Lord's Supper, as instituted by Jesus Christ and elaborated in the Epistles, has its roots in the ancient rite of covenant, a practice that predates Abraham. Indeed, the covenant forms the basic structure of Yahweh's relationship with Israel and is, for this reason, the underlying motif for the establishment of Christ's relationship with the new people of God.

Passover and the Lord’s Supper

There is an integral correspondence between the Christian Lord's Supper and the Israelite Passover. Like the Passover, the Lord's Supper is a joyful reaffirmation of the covenant. And like Passover, it recalls the Lord's great act in the deliverance of a people. But the Lord's Supper also points ahead to the ultimate destiny of Christians: freedom in the presence of God.

The Love Feast (Agapē)

The love feast is a meal set in the context of Christian worship, usually the Lord's Supper. It expresses the spiritual aspect of fellowship and compassion within the body of Christ.