The Lord's Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper with His disciples. It serves as a memorial of Christ's sacrificial death and a proclamation of His return. The Apostle Paul provides detailed instructions on the proper conduct during the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, emphasizing the importance of reverence, self-examination, and unity within the body of Christ.

Reverence and Remembrance

The Lord's Supper is a time of solemn remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. Paul recounts the words of Jesus: "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (1 Corinthians 11:24). Similarly, regarding the cup, Jesus said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me" (1 Corinthians 11:25). Participants are called to approach the table with a heart of reverence, acknowledging the profound significance of Christ's atoning work.

Self-Examination

Paul warns against partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, stating, "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" (1 Corinthians 11:27). Believers are urged to examine themselves before participating: "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup" (1 Corinthians 11:28). This self-examination involves confessing sins, seeking forgiveness, and ensuring one's heart is right before God.

Unity and Consideration for Others

The Lord's Supper is also a demonstration of the unity of the body of Christ. Paul addresses the divisions and selfish behavior among the Corinthians, admonishing them for their lack of consideration for one another. He writes, "When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk" (1 Corinthians 11:20-21). Proper conduct requires believers to wait for one another and partake together, reflecting the unity and love that should characterize the church.

Proclamation of the Lord's Death

Participating in the Lord's Supper is a proclamation of the Lord's death until He comes again. Paul states, "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). This act of proclamation serves as a reminder of the hope and anticipation of Christ's return, encouraging believers to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.

Judgment and Discipline

Paul warns that improper conduct at the Lord's Supper can lead to divine discipline. He explains, "That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 11:30). This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which the Lord views this ordinance. However, Paul also offers hope, stating, "But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged" (1 Corinthians 11:31), encouraging believers to self-correct and align their conduct with God's standards.

In summary, the Lord's Supper is a sacred observance that requires reverence, self-examination, unity, and a heart of remembrance. It is a time to reflect on Christ's sacrifice, proclaim His death, and anticipate His return, all while fostering unity and love within the body of Christ.