Matthew 26:26-29
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and
when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell
you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”[1]
Many denominations believe that the Lord’s Supper is symbolic or “represents” the body and blood of Christ. I understand this point of view. The question becomes where does Jesus say that it symbolizes
or represents the body and blood. The point is that He never says symbolizes or represents… Jesus says “this is my body” and “this is my blood”. In the Lutheran Church, we take Jesus at His word. We believe
in miracles and that if he says “this is my body”, let it be so. He is the creator of the universe. This miracle should be a piece of cake for Him. We believe in the real presence of the body and blood in the bread and wine.
The Lutheran Study Bible states: “Christ institutes His Supper. He continues to offer His body and His blood for us Christians to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of sins whenever we come to His Table. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
His righteousness!”
I pray: “Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood Be for my soul the highest good!” Amen.[2]