The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

THE LORD’S SUPPER

This passage outlines some of the clearest instruction concerning the church’s worship gatherings. While diverse understandings of the Lord’s Supper often separate churches from one another, the Lord’s Supper is intended to be a visible display of the unity of the church. In Paul’s instruction, the church as a whole is to proclaim Christ’s death (v. 26).

Although the exact role and function the Lord’s Supper is to play in a believers’ life remains a matter of debate among Christians, Paul makes it very clear that the Lord’s Supper can be taken incorrectly (v. 27). Paul wrote that those who celebrate the meal should examine their lives prior to partaking of the bread and the cup (v. 28). This examination includes both personal and corporate elements. The recognition of “the body of Christ” in this passage (v. 29) included both Jesus’ body and the church, outlined in the chapter that follows (1Co 12:12 – 27). Therefore, at the Supper, believers are to examine their lives concerning sin toward Christ and any offense toward one another.

At the communion table, believers celebrate with other believers their unity in Christ, renewing their commitment to God, his people and his mission.

Jesus, I thank you for the communion table and ask that I always come to it with a repentant, humble heart. Amen.