International Sunday School Lesson February 8, 2026
Welcome to another edition of the International Sunday School Lesson. Today’s lesson is for February 8, 2026. The title of today’s lesson is, “Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.” It’s taken from Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:19-20, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. We will be talking about the two main ordinances in the Christian Church. I believe in two more that I will mention here. I believe in foot washing based on John 13:1-20 and anointing with oil for the sick based on James 5:14-15. But, the lesson focuses on Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Baptism: Beginning with Boldness
John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins. John had started his ministry before Jesus. The bible is silent if John and Jesus had played together as children but the bible does record that John leaped for joy in his mother’s womb when the pregnant Mary and Elisabeth were visiting.
Matthew 3:13–15 “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.”
This is the first recorded public encounter between John and Jesus. John realized that Jesus was without sin so he did not require repentance. But, Jesus still wanted to be baptized. Why? Jesus was baptized to identify with the sinful people he came to save though his death on the cross as described by Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Beloved: Affirmed by the Father
A miracle happens when Jesus is baptized.
Matthew 3:16–17 “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.””
We don’t know if everyone present heard that voice. The “he” in the verses might mean “Jesus” or it might mean “John”. It probably doesn’t mean everyone there heard the voice because “he” is singular. We do know that John the Baptist was aware of the miracle indicated by John 1:32 “And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.”
Commissioned: Called with Purpose
Now we come to the main mission from the Lord for the church. This is our number one mission.
Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
This is our number one mission. Preach the soul-saving gospel to a lost and dying world. Now, does that mean it’s the only thing we should be doing? No. The bible is clear. We are to minister to people. Feed the hungry. Comfort the sick. Protect the weak. Provide for the elderly. Teach the confused. But, nothing, absolutely nothing, is to replace our central mission. Preach the gospel to a lost and dying world.
Covenant: Communion and Commitment
Now we go to Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 11:23–25 “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.””
The expression, “this is my body”, has been interpreted in various ways throughout church history. Roman Catholics believe the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ. Lutherans hold that the literal body and blood of Christ are present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine. Some Anglicans refer to the “real presence” of Christ in the bread and wine. Most of us other Protestants believe that Christ is present symbolically and spiritually, strengthening believers’ faith and fellowship in him and thereby feeding our souls.
Proclaiming: Hopeful Anticipation
The most important part of the Lord’s Supper is proclaiming the sacrificial death of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
The death and resurrection of Jesus is the most important part of the gospel. He sacrificially died for our sins and his resurrection is proof positive that it is accepted as payment.
Prepared: Reverence and Reflection
You should always examine your heart before participating in communion. Do not take communion lightly.
1 Corinthians 11:27–29 “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”
Taking communion is not a trivial thing. You should take a few moments before any communion service for reflection and prayer.
Concluding Thoughts
A couple of concluding thoughts. If you haven’t been baptized, let me encourage you to be baptized. Don’t trivialize communion and do it lightly. Pray before you participate. Well friends, good Lord willing, I’ll be back with you next weekend.
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