Matthew 26:26–29: The Lord’s Supper
Introduction
Throughout the many branches of the Christian tradition, the Lord’s Supper is one of most significant aspects of our worship. Nevertheless, many of those branches of the Christian tradition were formed precisely because of so many disagreements about how exactly to observe the Lord’s Supper, or what exactly the Lord’s Supper means. As we study this passage, then, we hope to clarify the Reformed view of the Lord’s Supper in light of what the Scriptures teach. More than that, however, we hope to cultivate a greater appreciation of the sense in which Jesus offers himself to us in the Lord’s Supper.
Discussion Questions
1. How does the Lord’s Supper connect with the Passover (v. 26)? What is similar about the Passover, and what is different? Why do you think that none of the biblical authors ever use the word for “unleavened bread” to describe the bread used in the Lord’s Supper? How (and why) does the language of taking, giving, and eating allude to Genesis 3:6? How should we understand Jesus’ words, “This is my body”?
2. What does Jesus signify by the cup (v. 28)? How does the cup relate to Jesus’ blood? What is in view when Jesus speaks of the “covenant”? In what sense is Jesus establishing a “testament” by this statement? How does this covenant/testament procure for us the covenantal blessing of the forgiveness of sins? How does the Lord’s Supper build upon and transform Passover? How does this covenant build upon and transform the blood of the old covenant (Ex. 24:8)?
3. How does the concept of sacramental union explain Jesus’ identification of his body and blood with the bread and the cup? How does the concept of metonymy connect the body to Christ and him crucified, and the blood to all Christ’s saving, covenantal benefits? How does the concept of the communication of attributes help us to understand the meaning of “is” in these disputed passages?
4. How does Jesus’ promise of drinking new wine in his Father’s kingdom hold forth the hope of glory (v. 29)? How does this promise relate to Paul’s statement about proclaiming the Lord’s death until Christ comes in 1 Corinthians 11:26? How does this passage help to clarify how we should relate to Christ in the Lord’s Supper when we receive the meal today? What will change about the way that you approach the Table next time?
