Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In Acts 2:42, we see a vivid depiction of the early church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This verse not only captures the essence of the Christian community but also underscores the importance of pivotal practices that define the faith. Among these practices, the Lord’s Supper stands out as an essential sacrament, deeply rooted in the tradition of the Jewish Passover meal, which we see illustrated in Matthew 26:26-28 during Jesus’ final moments before his arrest. To understand the depth of these actions, we must reflect on their historical, theological, and spiritual significance.

The Significance of Devotion in Acts 2:42

Acts 2:42 reveals the dedication of early Christians to four core elements: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Each of these elements deeply informs us about how faith was shared and nurtured in those primitive communities.

1. Apostles’ Teaching: The foundation of early Christian teaching was based on the life and words of Jesus. The apostles took it upon themselves to disseminate the teachings and messages of Jesus, ensuring that the word of God was active and alive in the community.
2. Fellowship: Community was essential for these early believers. The sharing of resources, experiences, and lives created a bond among them. This fellowship was not merely social; it was spiritual, fostering a shared commitment to God.
3. Breaking of Bread: This phrase refers both to the communal meal and the Lord’s Supper. The act of breaking bread together was a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, serving to solidify the identity of believers as one body in Christ.
4. Prayer: Prayer remained central to the life of the community, labeled as the lifeblood of spiritual growth and communal support. This practice brought believers closer to God and each other.

The Last Supper: The Revelation of a Covenant

The significance of the Last Supper is paramount in understanding Jesus’ mission and sacrifice. Matthew 26:26-28 reads: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
In this critical moment, Jesus introduces a new covenant – one that transcends the old traditions and points toward the future redemption of humankind. This meal, rooted in the Jewish Passover tradition, embodies a deeper symbolism.

The Passover Connection

The Passover is a fundamental celebration in Jewish tradition, commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Exodus 12:34 recounts how the Israelites had to leave so hastily that they did not have time for their bread to rise, thus they made unleavened bread as a symbol of their urgency and trust in God’s deliverance.
Why Unleavened Bread? Leaven (or yeast) typically represents sin and corruption in the Bible. The absence of yeast in the bread served as a representation of purity – a fitting precursor to Jesus’ intent to present his body as the ultimate sacrifice for mankind.
The meal also included four or five cups of wine, and during the third cup, known as the “Cup of Redemption,” Jesus took a new twist by stating this cup represented his blood – the blood of the new covenant.

The Significance of the Elements

On that fateful night, Jesus redefined the components of the meal:

1. Bread: “This is my body.” The breaking of bread symbolizes Christ’s imminent suffering. His body would soon be broken for all humanity’s salvation. The act of consuming the bread is an invitation to embody Christ’s presence.
2. Wine: “This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” Jesus refers to his blood as the redemptive “blood of the covenant.” This signifies a new era, where believers’ sins can be forgiven and reconciled through Jesus’ sacrifice.
3. Bitter Herbs and Carpus: Part of the traditional meal were items that reminded the Israelites of their afflictions in Egypt. By including these elements, Jesus evokes the memory of suffering and the price of freedom.
   These actions were revolutionary. Jesus was not just commemorating a historical event but was instituting a new sacrament that would serve as a remembrance of his sacrifice. He was painting a picture of what was to come – not just for his disciples but for the entirety of humanity.

Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb

Where was the lamb in this Passover meal? It is striking that Jesus did not include a lamb in this particular supper. Historically, the lamb is the centerpiece of the Passover – a symbol of sacrifice. However, Jesus opted to show that he would be the sacrificial lamb.
In John 1:29, John the Baptist declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Jesus’ blood would fulfill the requirements of the old covenant, providing a new path of reconciliation with God. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites on the night of the Exodus, so too would Jesus’ blood protect and redeem all who believe in Him from eternal separation from God.

The New Covenant

As believers today, we participate in what is often referred to as the Eucharist or Holy Communion, which signifies an ongoing relationship with Christ and remembrance of His sacrifice. This sacrament acts as a reminder of the cost of salvation, the price at which we have been redeemed. The act of breaking bread and sharing wine calls us into a community that honors the sacrificial love of Jesus.
The Apostle Paul reinforces this as he states in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread… Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” This reinforces the communal aspect of the sacrament; we are called to remember, celebrate, and anticipate the return of our Savior.

Conclusion: Devotion and Remembrance

Acts 2:42 encapsulates the core practices of the early church through the lens of devotion. As we reflect on the Last Supper, the elements within the tradition of breaking bread carry profound significance. The act transcends mere ritual; it reminds believers of the price paid for their freedom from sin.
As disciples of Christ, we are called to maintain this devotion by actively participating in the Lord’s Supper, fostering fellowship, engaging in prayer, and learning from the teachings of Jesus. This historical meal, rooted deeply in Jewish tradition, now embodies the heart of Christian faith. It represents a continual invitation to remember Christ’s sacrifice and look forward with hope to His glorious return.
May we embrace this sacrament, not as a mere formality, but as a sacred reminder of the covenant we share with our Lord and Savior, who poured out His life for us.