Sabbath as Sacrament

The Westminster Shorter Catechism states in its answer to question 92 that, “A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ; wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers.” This is certainly a short, succinct and systematic answer to the question “What is a sacrament?” The catechism goes on to identify two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. By the catechism, we also know that, “The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment, and growth in grace.”

The Gospel of Luke recounts that, “[Jesus] took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”” Luke 22:19-20. Christians often make the connection between the Lord’s Supper and the Passover meal because the connection is made explicitly in Luke and the other gospel accounts. However, there is another, less obvious connection here that is more sublime, and that is the connection between the Lord’s Supper and the Sabbath.

What is the starting point for a discussion of Sabbath as Sacrament? The starting point is recognized but not often highlighted in the answer to Question 92 in the Shorter Catechism. It is a sign of the covenant. As Jesus said, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” This is likely an allusion to the “blood of the covenant” in Exodus 24. But He also said, “Do this in “remembrance” of me.” I believe this also calls forth the past covenantal “remembrances,” including the Noahic covenant, the Abrahamic covenant, but more specifically the fourth commandment in Exodus 20, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”

Obviously, the Sabbath day was central to the life of the nation of Israel. Deuteronomy 5 repeats the Ten Commandments and shifts the focus ever so slightly. In Exodus 20, the basis for the Sabbath observance was creation. In Deuteronomy 5 the basis for the Sabbath observance was redemption from bondage in Egypt. In addition, Deuteronomy 5 recasts the commandment as “Observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”

Why is it that all of the commandments are cast as negatives commands except for the fourth and the fifth? Could it be that by fulfilling these two they would set a pattern in their lives that would facilitate their obedience to the others? Deuteronomy 15:1-16:17 elaborates on the fourth commandment and gives instruction on the Passover, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths. It thereby sets forth a rhythm of life for the nation of Israel. The rhythm was anchored in the Sabbath rest the nation was to live out.

If Jesus was intentionally alluding to the Sabbath in his establishment of His supper, what does that tell us about our eating bread and drinking wine (or not?) in our weekly worship?