Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 6:50–59

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John 6:50–59

From the Confessions: The Chief Articles of Faith in the Augsburg Confession

Of the Lord's Supper

Of the Supper of the Lord they teach that the Body and Blood of Christ are truly present, and are distributed to those who eat the Supper of the Lord; and they reject those that teach otherwise.

Pulling It Together

Though there are volumes that could be written about the Lord's Supper, this article concerns itself with making one statement. That statement is in response, again, to Lutherans being identified by Eck with those Reformers who taught that the elements of Holy Communion are merely representative of Christ's body and blood. What Melancthon sought to make clear with this confession is that Lutherans believe Christ is truly present in the sacrament. To press the point further, Christ's true body and blood are really in the elements of bread and wine. In Holy Communion there are not just bread and wine but also the body of blood of Jesus Christ. Though these remind us of Christ's death, they are more than mere symbols that arouse a thankful memory. The doctrine of the real presence of Christ will be covered in the articles that lie ahead of us. For now, in the tenth article, the Lutherans only and plainly confess that Christ's body and blood are truly present in his supper. His body and blood are also conveyed as true food and true drink to those who receive the sacrament. Those who receive the bread and wine really partake of the body and blood of Christ. Those who taught differently, were rejected by the Lutherans.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being truly present to me in your Supper. Amen. 

Learning About Communion teaches the meaning of Holy Communion according to the pattern of Luther's Small Catechism, and is recommended for the Fifth Grade Level. Each week focuses on a specific Bible story that illustrates the theme, with additional references from Scripture and Luther's Small Catechism - Children's Version. Lessons emphasize the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This booklet was designed to be used as a Sunday School unit, or for classes to prepare students for their First Communion.

Teacher's Guide


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