The Institution of the Sacrament

Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20 

 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?

The relationship of the Passover the Atonement is that the Passover reminded the Jews of that one day the Lord would deliver men form their sins.

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

The relationship between the Sacrament and the Atonement is that the Savior came and fulfilled His mortal mission and no more would blood be spilt in representation of the deliverance of man form sin.

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

The Savior and His Atonement is the only way we can live again. And the only way we can overcome our sins. He is the life. Without Him and His Atonement we would never be able to live again for we would die in our sins and not be able to return to God. Nor with without the resurrections would we be able to rise again.  He is the “Way.” 

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

We are to partake of the sacrament weekly so that we may always remember Him. If we always remember Him we will have His Spirit to be with us. We will make different choices. We will be more humble. More loving. Mosiah reminds us that we must always have Him in our thoughts.

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?

It is in remembrance of Christ body.

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

Ransom means a sum required to release a prisoner. As we properly participate in the ordinance of the Sacrament we are forgiven of our sin because the Savior take our sins upon Him. That is why going to church every Sunday.  

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

His love for me; even a sinner.

His suffering in the garden for all our sins.

His commitment to do the Father’s will.

His Resurrection thus overcoming death.

His power to create worlds with out end.

He suffered alone and has no one to give His pain to like we do.

His plea to God by calling Him Father.