Before You Eat…

Life Lessons From 1 Corinthians, Chapter 11

I remember Sundays growing up when communion was observed at my church. I can still taste the foam-like wafer that melted in my mouth and the quick swig of sweet grape juice that always left me wanting more. It was a meaningful observance that sadly became routine, for lack of a better word. But, by no one’s fault but my own, I did not grasp the profound significance of the occasion. But as I’ve grown older and more spiritually mature, the Lord’s Supper has become a more meaningful experience, as it should be in the believer’s life.

The Corinthians also observed the Lord’s Supper, and we can conclude from Paul’s letter that it wasn’t going well. And, unfortunately, it was going so poorly that Paul had nothing good to say!

^“In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good.” 1 Corinthians 11:17

When celebrating the Lord’s Supper, the Corinthians ate a meal together. But instead of it being a meaningful time of remembering Jesus and His sacrificial death, it resembled a party. The wealthy would eat first and leave the poor outside to observe hungrily. In addition, some participants were getting drunk! Their behavior and attitudes led to division instead of unity.

“No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. ²⁰So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, ²¹for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. ²²Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!” 1 Corinthians 11:19-22

The poor behavior of some at the Lord’s Supper was so grave that Paul warned them that they were “guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” (v27)

As I read Paul’s words about the behavior of the Corinthians, my first reaction was shock and disapproval. But then I had a heart moment with the Lord! How many times have I participated in the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner? I might not be drunk, but my mind may be cloudy with distraction and sin, and my attitude may be full of pride and self-sufficiency. I’m just like the Corinthians!

When the church celebrates the Lord’s Supper together, we remember that Jesus died for us and in our place. We remember Jesus’ body and blood that was shed for us, enabling us to have eternal life. And by celebrating, we proclaim the Gospel until we eat with Jesus at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

Our hearts and minds must be right with God before participating in the Lord’s Supper. Any sin must be confessed and repented. We should focus our minds on the meaning of the occasion. Our self-desires and pleasures should be second place as we seek the good of others. And, we should be eager to celebrate unity with our fellow believers as we proclaim the Gospel to all.

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:19-20