Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 4:30–31
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From the Word: Exodus 4:30–31
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.
Where is this written?
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Paul say:
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying: “Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
Pulling It Together: I remember so many Sundays decades ago, when I remained in the pew, trying to decide if I was ready to receive Holy Communion. Was I penitent enough, devoted, pious, holy? Was there someone else I needed to speak with, to clear up some hurt? I was never sure of any of these things, so there I sat, not daring to eat or drink because I did not feel ready, and that I might eat and drink condemnation upon myself (1 Cor 11:29).
When I consider the spiritual conditions of those first disciples, they too, were they to rely upon their feelings, would never have dared to obey the Lord’s command: eat, drink. The Hebrew children in the wilderness are another example. Before their concerns about the pharoah were God’s word and signs. Based upon his word through Moses, “the people believed” (Exod 4:28–31). If they relied on their fluctuating feelings, they too could not have believed.
Before us are both word and signs. Christ's word says, take and eat. Drink. This is for you for the forgiveness of sin. Here are the clear signs: bread and wine, body and blood. His word under these signs are all we need to believe and obey.
Prayer: Help me to rely on faith in you instead of the feelings within me so that I may receive your promise. Amen
My New Bible is a five-session study for use in Sunday School at the presentation of the Holy Scriptures to elementary students. It introduces them to the layout and contents of their new Bible, shows them how to identify books and find verses, and gives them an overview of the major parts of Scripture.
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Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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