The Institution of the Lord's Supper
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, the apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth, addressing their misunderstanding and abuse of the Lord's Supper. This passage is pivotal in understanding the significance and observance of this sacred ordinance.
The Origin of the Lord's Supper
Paul begins by stating that he received the tradition of the Lord's Supper directly from the Lord Himself (v. 23). This tradition is rooted in the night of Jesus' betrayal, when He instituted the New Covenant with His disciples (Luke 22:7-20). Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "This is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (v. 24). He also took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me" (v. 25).
The Purpose of the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is not simply a ritual or a symbolic act; it is a sacred ordinance that reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In observing the Lord's Supper, believers proclaim the Lord's death until He comes (v. 26). It is a powerful reminder of God's love and redemption, and it fosters unity among believers as they come together to commemorate Christ's sacrifice.
The Consequences of Unworthily Partaking
Paul warns the Corinthians that they must examine themselves before taking the Lord's Supper (v. 28). Those who partake unworthily, without recognizing the significance of Christ's sacrifice, eat and drink judgment to themselves (v. 29). This warning is not meant to instill fear, but to encourage believers to approach the Lord's Table with reverence and humility.
The Importance of Self-Examination
Paul emphasizes the need for self-examination before observing the Lord's Supper. Believers must recognize the sacrifice of Christ and their own sinful nature, which is redeemed by His blood. This self-examination is not meant to condemn, but to bring believers to a deeper understanding of their relationship with God.
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, Paul emphasizes the significance of the Lord's Supper as a sacred ordinance that reminds believers of Christ's sacrifice. As believers, we are called to approach the Lord's Table with reverence, humility, and self-examination, acknowledging the sacrifice of Christ and our own sinfulness. By doing so, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes, and we are reminded of God's love and redemption.
