Pentecost 13
– Proper 15
August 19, 2018
John 6:51-69
Eat & Live
The body and blood of Jesus are in, with and under the bread and
wine given for us Christians to eat and to drink. Instituted by Christ Himself.
This we believe, teach and confess. Yet, many fail to understand the importance
and significance of the Lord’s Supper. Is it only a long, drawn-out service?
Why is it that many within our Synod are recommending the weekly celebration of
the Sacrament? Jesus does not mention
the supper in these words exactly or precisely. There are, however, serious
teachings for us to consider. By faith, you receive the whole Christ.
What is this Supper?
- It is the receiving of Christ
- It is uniting with Christ
- It is living in Christ
1. It
is the receiving of Christ –
V.55 “For my flesh is real food and
my blood is real drink”
- The power and presence in this
supper is found in The Word of Christ. The hymn writer suggests and
reminds us – “God’s Word is our
great heritage.” Whenever the Christ is found. Whether it is read,
taught, preached or shared there we find the power of God working
and accomplishing its ordained purpose, which is to bring you closer
to Him, strengthening your faith, increasing your faith.
- Applying this word to those
visible gifts the Savior has given to us will accomplish the very same
things He intends with His spoken Word. In the Sacrament of Baptism and
in His Supper Christ’s Word is given to you as a sign and a pledge of His
love. It is The Word with a sign. A question could be asked, ‘how do I know Christ cares for me?”
Look at the gifts He offers to you – He gives you His Word – It is His
very promise. He has given you Baptism. Where you are incorporated into
His family. He gives you His Supper. - Where His very body and blood is
offered. In these gifts. Christ gives you Himself. As a sign of His love.
Transition: What is
this supper? It is a receiving of Christ. It is also a uniting with Christ.
2. It
is the uniting with Christ – V.56 “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.”
- Whenever we come we remain in Him. What is it that we Christians need? We need to remain in Christ. When you come. You are remaining in Him. Families gather together. To enjoy each other. To connect with one another. Connection to the family is important within God’s Family. You come to be connected to Him – You commune with Him.
- But Christ also comes in this
meal – He is really present and comes to you in this meal. You come to
remain in Him. He comes to remain in you! This has always been the
Savior’s intention. – To come to you. John reminds us, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt
among us.” (John 1) Christ broke into time and space to deliver
us from the bondage of sin. He comes to us every time this meal is
offered. Christ has given you His sure and abiding word “whoever eats My flesh and drinks My
blood remains in Me and I in him. (v.56)
Transition: What’s
in this supper? It is a reception of Chris. It is a uniting with Christ. It is
a living in Christ.
3. It
is living in Christ –
Vv.57-58 – “Just as the living Father
sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live
because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers
ate manna and died but he who feeds on this bread will live forever. “
- In these Words. We have recorded
the 10th time. Christ reminds us that He has come down to
us. You live in Christ. Who refused to be absent. Or indifferent. His
intention is to remain with you. Here is His promise – “The one who feeds on Me will live
because of Me.”
- We find purpose and meaning by what we do. During the Labor Day weekend we recall the various vocations and professions among us. We focus on who we are according to our life’s work. It’s a great opportunity for our youth. Especially as school has begun. To think of their future. – “What shall I be?” is a very important question to ask.
- Yet we also remember today. Not only who you are. But WHOSE
you are. You are a child of the lamb. Who was slain. Who now lives and
reigns throughout all eternity. He has determined to come to you. In this
special way. – In His Word. And in His meal. His intention has always
been to abide and dwell with you.
What is
this supper? We have visited three components this morning. It is a receiving
of Christ. It is the uniting with Christ. It is a living in Christ. May
the Lord so fellowship with you. As He come to you. In this significant way.
_______________
Words-850
Passive
Sentences-10%
Readability
–83.6%
Reading
Level -3.7
Image ©
Higher Things
No comments:
Post a Comment