Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20. The Institution of the Sacrament

Well here we are at the end of this six week course and what a better place than to start the end of it where the beginning and continuation of the Sacrament was. I looked back at this week and realized that this is the one thing that continues on and decided that I was going to write and post about it this week.

Unit One

 

Topic Choices (Choose One)

Choice 1: Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20. The Institution of the Sacrament

1. The Savior instituted the Sacrament the night before He was crucified, near the time of the Passover celebration. Many centuries earlier, the feast of the Passover had been instituted to help the children of Israel remember when the destroying angel “passed over” their houses and delivered them from Egyptian bondage (see Exodus 12:21-28; 13:14-15). The blood of the unblemished Passover lamb that saved ancient Israel was a symbol of the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who redeemed all mankind. Review Matthew 26:26-29 and Luke 22:14-20. Then read the institute student manual introduction to chapter 23 (p. 160) and the commentary for “What Is the Relationship Between the Sacrament and the Atonement?” (pp. 161-62). Write responses to the following questions:
• What was the relationship between the Passover and the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

                                         i.    The Passover literally refers to the passing over of the destroying angel. This refers to Chris tin the way that it was the pure lamb that saved them. This is Christ for us. We are all sinners and called to take upon us the name of Christ and accept his offering given to us. Only then can we truly be forgiven of our wrong and the destroying angel will pass us by. This is what the Lord would like for his people.

• What is the relationship between the Sacrament and the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

                                         i.    The sacrament represents the sacrifice that Christ made that first with his body he has laid down which is the bread and then overcoming the flesh. He continues this pattern as he sheds his blood for us and the water/wine represents that blood and the essence of life that was so freely spent for each of us. In these ways the Lord’s atonement is offerings made in the sacrament.

• How does John 4:13-14; 6:48-53 add to an understanding of the symbolism of bread and water?

                                         i.    Christ offers us not just bread and water that will come and go even as those who were blessed to have been given it  but instead Christ offers eternal bread and water that leaves a man not thirsty nor with want of food. He is the living water and living bread of life. These scriptures show that those who follow him receive them and will have them forever. They are symbolic of his sacrifices and offerings and are very eternal.

• Considering the Savior’s instructions in Luke 22:19 and 3 Nephi 18:7, why do you think we are commanded to partake of the Sacrament weekly?

                                         i.    This is to help us to continue to remember Christ and to have the Holy Spirit to be with us. Weekly practice of this would help to have those things over come.

•  How does Mosiah 5:13 apply to this idea?

                                         i.    This adds to that thought because often we let ourselves drift into daily and even weekly routines where we might not remember the Savior as much as we should be. By weekly partaking of the Sacrament it helps keep our mind on Him and remember him throughout the week. That and the sacrifices that He has made for all of us.

2. Carefully look at the additions and corrections in the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 26:26, 28 (see Matthew 26:26 footnote b, and Matthew 26:28 footnote a). Write responses to the following questions and tasks:
• What important truths do we gain from these verses of the Joseph Smith Translation?

                                         i.    One of the truths that we learn from verse 26 is that the bread offered is meant to be in remembrance of Christ and his body in which he has ransomed for us. He gave of himself for each of us. While in verse 28 we also learn that this is a new testament that was sacrificed for those who shall believe in Christ and is for a remission of their sins. This also teaches that we need to continue to follow Christ example and offer this sacrifice even unto the end just as he has done.  

• What does ransom mean?

                                         i.    There are two uses of this word. The first is as a noun it is a sum of money or a price that is paid for the release of a prisoner or in the other context it is the release of a prisoner.

• How does properly participating in the ordinance of the Sacrament ransom us? (See JST, Matthew 26:26)

                                         i.    Christ has ransomed Himself for us by setting us free from the sins that take over our natural body. This fits so perfect because without the atonement of Christ we are all left to be watching and waiting with no way of paying the price of our wrongs but Christ has paid that price for each of us. Therefore Christ is our ransom for sin.

• Make a list of what you want to remember about the Savior the next time you partake of the Sacrament.

                                         i.    That it is an eternal thing that has been offered to me by my Savior

                                        ii.    What Christ is really did by being my ransom

                                      iii.    I also want to think of ways to better take upon His name.

                                      iv.    Print out this so I have it

                                       v.    Take a moment to thank Him for everything he has offered