Huntington Church of Christ

On the night before his death, Jesus observed the Passover feast with his twelve disciples. At that time he established a memorial to his own death. "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took a cup, and gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins. But I say unto you, I shall not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until the day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." (Matthew 26:26-29)

Jesus said this memorial would begin in the Father's kingdom. The kingdom/church was established on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2) and it is said, "They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:41-42) This "breaking of bread" was done in "remembrance" of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Paul wrote "that Christ died for our sins...was buried and...raised on the third day according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) This is the basis of our faith, (1 Corinthians 15:14) therefore, the Christian lives in glad anticipation of being resurrected like Christ when he comes again. But until he comes we are ever reminded, "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till he come." (1 Corinthians 15:26) According to Acts 20:7 it is implied the early church regularly (weekly) partook of the Lord's Supper "upon the first day of the week." Participation in this memorial feast is a great privilege and should be entered into with a proper mind. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ