Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:16

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From the Word: The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not fellowship in the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16)

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, Holy Communion

What is Holy Communion?

Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, given to us Christians to eat and drink, as it was instituted by Christ himself.

Pulling It Together: When we share in Holy Communion, we are receiving the true body and blood of Jesus Christ. We are not simply receiving bread and wine that we eat in memory of what Christ did for us. Now, that is certainly true, but there is more to it than our grateful remembrance. Making it a point to remember Jesus in the Lord’s Supper is something that we do. But what truly happens in the holy meal is something that God does, as of course, it must be. It is a sharing in his blood—not a distribution of wine. Communion is fellowship in his body—not a serving of bread. Paul shows us what this bread and wine truly is, when it is received with faith in Christ’s words of promise. “This is my body” (Matt 26:26). “This is my blood…” (Matt 26:28). 

As Holy Communion is fellowship in Christ’s true body and blood, it is life and grace for those who believe, eat, and drink. It is a communion because we are many who share in it. It is holy, because it is something God does in all of us when the bread and wine are mingled with faith. He gives us himself and therefore, the full measure of his grace: the forgiveness of our sins (Matt 26:28).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, by your grace, cause me to grow in your life and will. Amen.

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The Ten Commandments book is a ten-week unit, which includes one session on each of the Commandments. The Scripture focus is on Moses and the Exodus Cycle, with Bible study lessons taken primarily from the Pentateuch.

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