Thanksgiving Communion Psalm 100 Rd. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
1 Thess. 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Matthew 11:25 I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes." John 6:11: And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. Matthew 26:27: Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you.
I. Jesus Gave Thanks for the Sacrifice of His Body. 1 Cor. 11:23-24 A. When He had given thanks, He broke the bread. - "This is my body, which is broken for you" B. Why did Jesus give thanks for this painful sacrifice? - Isaiah 53: 5-6, But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. - Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. C. "This do in remembrance of Me"
II. Jesus Gave Thanks for the Shedding of His Blood. V. 25 also (Matt. 26:26 &27) A. "In the same manner " - "When He had given thanks" - "This cup is the new covenant in My blood "
Hebrews 10: 1-10 1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. 5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. 7 Then I said, Behold, I have come In the volume of the book it is written of Me To do Your will, O God. 8 Previously saying, Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God. He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
B. Communion reminds us of the end of animal sacrifices for sin. Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) 1 John 1:9 the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Heb. 10:4, For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
C. Who can understand such Love? Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
III. Jesus Gave Thanks for His Second Coming also. (Vs. 25-26) A. The Christ who died and rose again is coming again to take us home to be with Him! John 14:3, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
B. Communion reminds us of the promise of our ultimate victory! C. Every time we celebrate communion we are celebrating both the cross and our Lord's return. D. Communion reminds us that the Crucified One will be the Coming One! 1 Thess. 4:16, For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
E. When Christ returns, communion will be complete in His Kingdom! Matthew 26:29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until the day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." Revelation 19:9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!"
Let us give Thanks!