Communion
Text: Luke 22:14-20 and various

Introduction
Why do Christians celebrate communion?  Many do so because of tradition without understanding the real significance. Some religions teach it is necessary to be saved. Some teach that the elements actually become the literal flesh and blood of Christ. In our study, we will look at the Biblical teaching on communion to gain an understanding of the activity and the importance of our participating in it.

1. Some General Observations - Luke 22:14-20
   1. What was the occasion in this passage?
   2. What does v. 19 indicate re: the continued observance?
   3. What are the elements used and what are they said to be or represent?


2. The Relation of Communion with Passover
   What was Passover all about?
   1. Exodus 11 - The pending and final plague on Egypt that would result in Israel's deliverance from 430 yrs. of slavery
   2. Exodus 12:1-6 - What were the Israelites to do?
   3. Exodus 12:7 - What were they to do with the Lamb's blood?
   4. Do you see a symbol of anything in the specific positioning of the blood?
   5. Exodus 12:12-14 - What was the purpose / effect of the blood on the doors?
   6. Exodus 12:24-28 - Why were they to annually celebrate the memorial feast of the Passover?
   In the annual Passover meal, what did the elements represent?
   The Wine -
   The Bitter Herbs -
   The Unleavened Bread (also Deut. 16:3) -
   How were the wine and the bread similar in their symbolism?


3. Jesus, Passover, and Communion
   1. What is Jesus called in John 1:29?
   2. What is Jesus called in 1 Peter 1:18-19?
   3. What is Jesus called in 1 Corinthians 5:7?
   4. How is Jesus the fulfillment of the Passover lamb?
      1. Wine (Fruit of the Vine):
      2. Unleavened Bread
   5. What then is the New Covenant of Luke 22:20?
   6. What is being proclaimed by our taking of communion? (see also 1 Cor. 11:26)


4. Conclusion / Personal Application
   1. What are things we can do to help us keep the correct focus when we take communion?