The Historical and Theological Context of the Lord's Supper

The practice of the Lord's Supper, or communion, is a central sacrament in Christian theology. Many associate it with pagan practices, but a closer look at its origins reveals its deep roots in Jewish tradition and its significance in esoteric Judaism.

Origins and Jewish Roots

The Lord's Supper is not a pagan practice but a continuation of Jewish tradition and the Passover feast. This meal, known as the Seder, is a common practice in Judaism, particularly during the Passover celebration. As it is the Jewish tradition, it is important to clarify the misunderstanding that the Lord's Supper originated from pagan practices.

The Seder and the Passover Feast

The Lord's Supper, also known as the Last Supper, was celebrated on the eve of Passover, in accordance with Jewish customs. Passover is a significant feast in Jewish tradition, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Passover Seder involves the consumption of a lamb or a symbolic replacement, along with other symbolic foods and rituals. The discussion of the Lord's Supper as a pagan practice is thus a misconception.

Hebrew Precedent and the Melchizedek Tradition

The practice of sharing bread and wine during the Lord's Supper has its roots in the Hebrew traditions. The Bible provides an early example of sharing bread and wine in Genesis 14:18, where Melchizedek, the priest after whose order Jesus functions, shared bread and wine with Abraham, the father and picture of the saint who walks by faith. Similarly, Leviticus 23:5-8 mentions that the Passover meal should be eaten with unleavened bread, as commanded by the Lord.

The Lord's Supper in Christian Practice

In Christian practice, the Lord's Supper symbolizes the body and blood of Jesus Christ, which he promised to his disciples. The passage John 6:53-58 is central to this understanding: "unless you eat My Flesh and drink My Blood you will not have life in you." The act of partaking in the Lord's Supper is seen as a way of confirming faith and remembering the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity. This practice is rooted in the Passover tradition and the Melchizedek tradition.

Esoteric Judaism and Early Christian Connections

One way to understand the connection between the Lord's Supper and its historical Jewish context is by studying the Dead Sea Scrolls and the early Christian practices of the Way. There are striking similarities between the Esoteric Judaism practices and those of the early Christian community.

Similarities with the Essenes

The Essenes were a Jewish sect known for their rigorous adherence to Jewish traditions and their communal lifestyle. They had a similar Ritual Meal, which included bread and wine. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered at Qumran, reflect the beliefs and practices of this sect. Studying the Essenes may provide insight into the origins of the Lord's Supper in early Christian circles.

The People of the Way and Early Christian Practices

Further evidence of the connection between the Lord's Supper and early Christian practices can be found by exploring the People of the Way. This group, which included Mary and Joseph's family and the original Apostles, went by several names such as 'the Meek and the Poor' or 'the Children of Light'. Their practices, such as communal meals and shared possessions, are similar to early Christian traditions. Yeshua, known as Jesus, would have been a part of this group, which explains the presence of such practices in his ministry. The statement 'the Meek shall inherit the World' (Matthew 5:5) reflects the belief that followers of Yeshua would inherit paradise, and the directive to distribute resources to the poor reflects the importance of communal responsibility.

Conclusion

Thus, the Lord's Supper, or communion, is a deeply rooted Christian practice with its origin in the Jewish Passover and Melchizedek traditions. Understanding these origins helps to dispel the misconception that the practice is pagan. The historical and theological context provides a clearer picture of the significance and meaning behind the Lord's Supper.