Scripture Reading: For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. —1 Corinthians 11:26

Summary: The Lord’s Supper is a Biblical ordinance instituted as a memorial to the suffering and death of Jesus Christ whose body was broken and blood shed for the redemption of mankind.

Read:  Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Corinthians 11:20-34 (Reference: Luke 22:7-22; Mark 14:12-26).

I. Instituted During the Passover

A. Exodus 12:12-15 Passover in Egypt
B. Matthew 26:17-20 The feast of unleavened bread.
C. Luke 22:7-16 The Passover prepared.Read more

The Old Testament Passover

Nearly 3500 years ago, Moses and the children of Israel were on the eve of an epic exodus out of the bondage of Egypt. God told His people to sacrifice a lamb that was without blemish and to place the blood upon their door posts. That night, the angel of death passed over Egypt to slay the first born son in every home. There was salvation from death where the blood of the lamb had been applied. The Passover was instituted to annually commemorate this wonderful, historic deliverance (Exodus 12:12-15).Read more

How often should the ordinance of the Lord’s supper be observed?

The church is clearly instructed to observe this ordinance. People who are unwilling to participate have spiritual needs which they need to address with the Lord.

Jesus did not tell the church how frequently they were to participate in communion. He said, “For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup…” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Frequency is an issue that is left to each person and fellowship to decide. It is noteworthy that Christ patterned this ordinance after the Passover which was celebrated once a year.Read more

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. —Mark 14:26

The Jews observed the Passover by singing or chanting the Hallel or Hallelujah. It consists of a recitation from Psalms 113-118 which is used for praise and thanksgiving. Psalms 113-114 were usually sung before the meal and Psalms 115-118 were sung at the close.

There is little doubt but that this is what Jesus and the disciples sang before departing to the mount of Olives.