1 Corinthians 11:26-28: A Call to Self-Examination
In the eleventh chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses a controversy in the Corinthian church regarding the way they were observing the Lord's Supper. In verses 26-28, Paul reminds the believers that when they gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper, they are proclaiming the Lord's death until He comes.
The Context
The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions and strife. The wealthy and influential members of the church would often arrive early and eat all the food, leaving nothing for the poor and marginalized. This kind of behavior was a far cry from the spirit of unity and love that Jesus embodied.
The Passage
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (26) Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. (27) A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. (28) For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself."
The Message
Paul's message is clear: when we participate in the Lord's Supper, we are proclaiming the Lord's death until He comes. This is not a trivial matter; it's a sacred ritual that requires reverence and humility. Paul warns that anyone who takes the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
The call to self-examination is a crucial one. Before partaking in the Lord's Supper, believers are urged to examine their hearts and motives. It's a time for introspection, to consider whether we are truly living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Application
So what does this passage mean for us today? Here are a few takeaways:
- Humility is key: When we gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper, we must approach with humility and reverence. We are not entitled to participate; rather, we are privileged to remember Christ's sacrifice.
- Examine yourself: Before taking the Lord's Supper, take a moment to reflect on your heart and actions. Are you living in accordance with Jesus' teachings? Are there areas where you need to repent and seek forgiveness?
- Remember the body of Christ: The Lord's Supper is not just about individual believers; it's about the body of Christ as a whole. When we partake, we are proclaiming our unity and solidarity with fellow believers.
Conclusion
1 Corinthians 11:26-28 serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of the Lord's Supper. As we gather to celebrate, let us approach with humility, self-examination, and a deep reverence for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
