The Lord's Supper

Memory Verse: "Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:18-20.

Introduction: The Church of the Gospel Age was relieved of carnal rites, ordinances, and "works of righteousness," because of the Perfect Sacrifice on the cross. These were the "shadow" laws or ordinances which were "nailed to the cross" (Colossians 2:13-17).
  The sacrifice of the Lamb of God, without blemish, was perfect and complete in atoning power. Former Mosaic rites, performed to expiate for sins, could have no spiritual significance after the cross, as far as Christian salvation is concerned. No new rites of penance were ever introduced by Christ or His apostles. To do so would be to "fall away" from the complete atonement and gospel of Christ.
  While our salvation is a completely spiritual operation, there were given two symbolic ordinances to the Church, by which it would acknowledge this spiritual operation, through an open demonstration of faith. These two symbolic ordinances are water baptism and the Lord's Supper, both being confirmed and instituted by our Lord.
  We are not changed inwardly by literally eating unleavened bread or drinking the "fruit of the vine." Neither can it be claimed that these symbols do anything for us if we have never been converted and spiritually redeemed. If we are "born again" (John 3:3) and belong to Christ, we are compelled by His Spirit to enter into this spiritual communion which He instituted, as a demonstration of our faith in His atonement on the cross. In this, we are annually confessing our abiding life and communion in Christ (1 John 3:18-24; 1 Corinthians 11:24,25).

Questions:

1. Why did God send Joseph to Egypt? Psalm 105:16-24; Genesis 45:5-7.

2. Why was the deliverance from Egypt of special importance in God's plan for Israel? Exodus 3:6-8,17; Psalm 105:8,9.

3. How was the first Passover instituted? Review Exodus 12.

4. Why was Israel to observe this ordinance annually? Exodus 12:24-27.

5. What was Christ's mission here on earth? Romans 11:26,27.

6. What do we commemorate in observance of the Lord's Supper? Luke 22:19,20; 1 Corinthians 11:26.

7. Why is the unleavened bread used in this service? Exodus 12:15,19; 1 Corinthians 5:7,8.

8. Why was the ancient Passover lamb to be without blemish? Exodus 12:5; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22; 1 John 3:5.

9. When is the Lord's Supper to be observed? Luke 22:14,18,19; 1 Corinthians 11:2,23-26; Leviticus 23:5; 2 Chronicles 30:15; Deuteronomy 16:6; Matthew 27:45,46,50.

10. Do all members of the church participate in this ordinance? 1 Corinthians 11:1,2,33; 12:12; John 13:8,15,17. (Note: By "all members" means all baptized persons who are members of Christ's body.)

11. How should one prepare himself for this annual event? 1 Corinthians 5:6-8.