Who Started Communion and Sunday Worship?

COMMUNION.

The Passover meal had been celebrated from the time of Israel’s EXODUS out of Egypt. Jesus and His disciples celebrated Passover just before His betrayal (Luke 22:7-23). It was at this meal (known also as The Last Supper) that Jesus created a new celebration with only two elements.

First, He took the Passover non-yeast, cracker-like bread, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, “This is My body broken for you.” He knew He would suffer terrible abuse before He was even crucified (Matthew 27:24-26; 27:27-31).

Next, he took the cup and said, “This is my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28; John 3:16).

But, get this! He also said, “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29; Paul’s follow-up, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

His disciples received confirmation of this message after the Resurrection, as Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:10-11). I’m looking forward to His return, are you?

SUNDAY WORSHIP

The Old Testament commanded a holy Sabbath, every seven days (Exodus 20:8-11). Sunday Worship requires a three-day timeline to explain:

1.       Friday afternoon, Jesus died on a Roman cross (Matthew 27:45—46). As Evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea (a rich man and secret follower of Jesus) asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Nicodemus (another secret follower) brought burial spices, and together they prepared Jesus’ body and laid it in Joseph’s tomb (John 19:38-42).    

 2.       Saturday was the Jewish Sabbath.

 3.       Sunday, at dawn on the first day of the week, certain women went to the tomb where they were shocked! The tomb was open, and they saw an angel who said, “He is not here. He is risen . . . go quickly, tell His disciples . . . He is going ahead of you to Galilee” (Matthew 28:1-7).

Early Christians then started worshiping on the first day of the week, calling it “The Lord’s Day.” First-day worship was also mentioned in Paul’s day (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

 I’m thankful to celebrate these two ancient Christian traditions in my spiritual life. How about you?

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