Holy Communion
St. Matthew 26:26-28
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take eat; this is my body. And he took the cup and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Holy Communion or more commonly referred to as The Lord’s Supper, the meal established by our Lord, which was instituted at suppertime. Other terms were introduced in the church, such as communion and Eucharist (a giving of thanks) because of the hymns and psalms that accompanied it.
Jesus instituted the supper while he was observing the Passover with his disciples. The following order of observing the Passover prevailed at the time of Christ:
Meeting of celebrants and blessing 1st cup of wine.
Washing the hands, accompanied with a benediction.
Table set with lamb, bread, herbs, & sauce.
Participants dipped bitter herbs in sauce.
Remove dishes, drink 2nd cup of wine – Q & A.
Re-set table then recite commemorative words.
2nd washing of hands, then brake bread (give thanks)
Eat flesh (give thanks), drink 3rd cup“cup of blessing”.
4th cup of wine with scripture “Cup of Hallel”
Possibly a 5th cup and then a song of thanks.