How Is Jesus Present in the Lord's Supper?

Written by Dr. Scott Swain | Apr 4, 2018 5:00:00 AM

In Matthew 28, Jesus said, "Behold I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." We know, of course, that Jesus doesn't fulfill this promise by being physically present with us because in Matthew 28 he ascends to the right hand of the Father. The way he maintains his presence among us is by sending us His Spirit, who is the spirit of Christ, in our midst. The question arises, "How specifically does Christ come in our midst? How does he maintain his presence among us and present himself to us within the context of the Lord's Supper?" The answer comes through the words of institution that Jesus gave at the Last Supper: "Do this in remembrance of me." [epq-quote align="align-left"]He is there to increase our hunger for the feast we will have in his presence at the wedding supper of the Lamb.[/epq-quote] We often think of doing something in remembrance of someone as something we do in their absence. You see stickers on the back of a car, "In Memory of Papa," but this is not what doing the Lord's Supper in remembrance of Jesus is all about. It's not about remembering someone who is absent. It is, in fact, a mode of his presence. In Exodus 20, in the context of establishing the Passover meal, the Lord says, "In every place where I caused my name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you." In every place where he causes a name to be remembered, where he causes the Passover meal to be performed and the meal to be served, he says, "I will come to you. I'll be present among you and I will bless you." Essentially, this is the idea that Jesus is taking at the Last Supper. At the Lord's Supper, Jesus has promised us that through the act of breaking bread and pouring wine that he himself would be present with us to assure us that by his death all of our sins are forgiven, that by his death all the blessings of the new covenant are ours. He is there to feed us spiritually as we draw upon his saving nourishment through the mouth of faith. He is there to increase in us a hunger for the feast we will have in his presence at the wedding supper of the Lamb when he returns.

Crossway, together with the scholarly editorial team for the new and distinctive ESV Archaeology Study Bible, is to be commended and congratulated for producing this first-rate reference tool. The articles and notes, written by a skilled team of biblical interpreters and archaeologists, bring insightful illumination to the historical context and meaning of biblical passages, events, and themes. It is a privilege to recommend this important work, which will serve students, pastors, church leaders, and teachers well in the years to come.

David S. Dockery, President

The events and teachings of the Bible occurred in time and space, and a proper understanding of these helps give perspective to the text. Archaeology and cultural studies provide important controls to guide the reader to an appropriate contextual and exegetical study of Scripture. The ESV Archaeology Study Bible will help foster a deeper and richer appreciation of God’s revelation for humanity. The volume’s use of photographs in conjunction with Crossway’s outstanding collection of maps, which are supplemented with explanatory notes, helps facilitate one’s appreciation of the richness of God’s Word for antiquity as well as its implications for today.

Dale W. Manor, Professor of Archaeology and Bible

The ESV Archaeology Study Bible is an excellent resource for archaeological and historical information on the biblical text. Basic data can be found in the margin of the particular passage itself, with nearby boxes containing additional material on the immediate or related subjects. The maps and graphics make the Bible attractive and user-friendly. The ESV Archaeology Study Bible will make an invaluable first stop for students of the Scriptures seeking information on biblical backgrounds.

Paul Ray, Associate Professor of Archaeology and Old Testament Studies

While the Bible is unchanging, our knowledge of the context of the Bible is ever-changing. The best new information that can be brought to the Bible is from archaeology, which, as a science of discovery, is constantly engaged in unearthing historical and cultural evidence from the world of the Bible. In the hands of skilled biblical interpreters, this knowledge can corroborate, clarify, and add local color to the biblical text. Crossway’s first-rate team of archaeologists and biblical scholars has produced a much-needed resource that will inform biblical students about the context of Scripture with a beautifully crafted format that is essential for communication in a visual age.

Randall Price, Distinguished Research Professor

Everyone who wants to understand the Bible better will welcome the ESV Archaeology Study Bible. This marvelous resource will help readers visualize the people and places of the Bible and appreciate the importance of archaeology for a deeper and more accurate understanding of Scripture. All of us are indebted to editors John Currid and David Chapman.

Craig A. Evans, John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins

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