The Lord's Supper: A Sacrament of Remembrance
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (NKJV), the apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church, addressing their misuse of the Lord's Supper. This passage is a significant teaching on the importance of reverently observing the sacrament of communion.
The Origin of the Lord's Supper
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (1 Corinthians 11:23-24, NKJV)
Paul emphasizes that he received this tradition directly from the Lord Jesus Christ. On the night of His betrayal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, taking bread and giving thanks before breaking it and sharing it with His disciples. He commanded them to "do this in remembrance of Me," establishing a sacred ritual that would be observed by believers for centuries to come.
The Bread and the Cup
In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." (1 Corinthians 11:25, NKJV)
Jesus also took the cup, symbolizing the new covenant sealed in His blood. As believers partake of the cup, they proclaim the Lord's death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). The bread and the cup serve as tangible reminders of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant of redemption.
A Call to Self-Examination
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. (1 Corinthians 11:26-28, NKJV)
Paul urges believers to approach the Lord's Supper with reverence and self-reflection. Before participating in the sacrament, one must examine their heart and motives, ensuring that they are partaking in a worthy manner. This solemn responsibility underscores the importance of honoring Christ's sacrifice and the significance of communion.
Conclusion
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. (1 Corinthians 11:29-30, NKJV)
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 emphasizes the significance of the Lord's Supper as a sacrament of remembrance. Believers are called to observe this sacred ritual with reverence, self-examination, and gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. As we partake of the bread and cup, may we remember the Lord's death until He comes, and may our participation in the Lord's Supper be a testament to His saving power.
