The Lord's Supper: A Commandment from the Lord
1 Corinthians 11:23-34 (KJV)
In this passage, the apostle Paul teaches the Corinthian church about the importance of observing the Lord's Supper in a worthy manner. Paul emphasizes that the Lord's Supper is not just a casual gathering, but a sacred ordinance that requires reverence, respect, and self-examination.
The Institution of the Lord's Supper
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
Jesus Christ instituted the Lord's Supper on the night of His betrayal, a pivotal moment in human history. This event marked the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, sealed by the shedding of Christ's blood.
24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Christ broke the bread, symbolizing His body broken for our sins. He instructed His disciples to partake of the bread in remembrance of Him, commemorating His sacrifice.
The Cup of the New Testament
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
Christ took the cup, representing the New Covenant in His blood. He commanded His disciples to observe the Lord's Supper, drinking the cup in remembrance of Him.
The Pattern for the Church
26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
The Lord's Supper is not only a commemoration of Christ's death but also a declaration of His promise to return. As we partake of the bread and cup, we proclaim Christ's death until He comes again.
Self-Examination and Worthy Reception
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
Paul emphasizes the importance of self-examination before participating in the Lord's Supper. Those who participate unworthily, without recognizing the significance of Christ's sacrifice, shall be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Instead, we should examine ourselves, acknowledging our sins and our need for Christ's redemption. Only then can we participate in the Lord's Supper in a worthy manner.
Conclusion
The Lord's Supper is not a casual gathering but a sacred ordinance that requires reverence, respect, and self-examination. As we observe the Lord's Supper, let us remember the sacrifice of Christ, proclaim His death until He comes again, and examine ourselves to participate in a worthy manner.
