The Sacrament of the Altar
Q60. Where is this written?
The holy writers Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul write: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." "In the same way also he took the cup after supper, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying: Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 Corinthians 11:23–25
Matthew 26:26–28
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Mark 14:22–24
Luke 22:19–20
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Who are the four biblical writers that record the Words of Institution?
- 2
Why did Jesus say "Do this in remembrance of me"?
- 3
What do the words "given for you" and "shed for you" tell us about why Jesus gives us this meal?
Illustration
When four different people tell you the same story, you know it must be important. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Paul all record what Jesus said and did on the night he was betrayed. Four witnesses confirm that Jesus gave his body and blood for us and told us to keep receiving this meal until he comes back.
Application
Read one of the four accounts of the Lord's Supper this week (start with 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). Notice what Jesus does and what Jesus says. Talk with a parent about what stands out to you.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)