Regarding the institution of the Lord’s Supper, in the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke is the story about Jesus sending Peter and John into the city, and they would see a man bearing a pitcher. Jesus said to tell that man that the Master wants to know where the room is where I can observe the Passover with my disciples. He will show you a large upper room furnished, and there make ready for us. In Matthew 26:19 it is written: “And the disciples went, and did as Jesus appointed them.”
After the observance of the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the communion service that Paul would call the Lord’s Supper. The place of this observance was done by appointment. They did as Jesus appointed them.
Is it not true that we also have an appointment to observe the Lord’s Supper on the Lord’s Day? Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of me.” In Acts 20:7 we read that it was the day when the church gathered together for that service. Are we faithful in keeping that appointment?
That is a good question when we consider there are other appointments in the word of God that have been made for us. Paul told the Athenians on Mars Hill: ”God hath appointed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained, whereof He hath given assurance unto all the nations in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” That is an appointment that we all will keep; all other activities will be pre-empted. When I think of that appointment, I feel much better about it, if I am faithful in keeping the appointment at the Lord’s Table.
Then there is an appointment in Hebrews 9:27: “It is appointed for man once to die.” Whenever I think of that appointment, I really do feel better about it, if I am being faithful to the appointment at the Lord’s Table.
There is another appointment in Matthew 28:16 “When the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them.” The Great Commission of Jesus to the apostles was given by appointment. This program was to begin at Jerusalem, and from there, to spread to the uttermost part of the earth.
The program of the Great Commission involves every Christian making known the gospel of Christ to every person in the world, either by preaching, teaching, or personal witness; by use of time, talent, or treasure in whatever venue is available. This is our appointed task, and we are reminded of that appointment, when we keep the appointed meeting at the Lord’s Table, on the Lord’s Day.