What does "it is not the Lord's Supper you eat" imply? Scene and Context • Corinthian believers gathered for a congregational meal that flowed into the bread and cup. • Instead of mutual sharing, the wealthy rushed ahead, ate their own food, and left the needy with nothing (1 Corinthians 11:21). • Paul’s blunt verdict: “When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat” (1 Corinthians 11:20). Why Paul Uses Such Strong Language • A true Lord’s Supper is defined by Christ’s intent, not by mere ritual. • Christ’s intent centers on remembering His sacrifice and expressing the oneness of His body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • When behavior contradicts that intent, the gathering forfeits the title “Lord’s Supper.” Key Problems Paul Identified 1. Divisions and party-spirit in the church (1 Corinthians 11:18-19). 2. Self-indulgence—each one “proceeds with his own meal,” some hungry, some drunk (1 Corinthians 11:21). 3. Contempt for poorer believers, shaming those Christ died for (1 Corinthians 11:22). What “It Is Not the Lord’s Supper You Eat” Implies • The Lord disowns gatherings that ignore His commands. • Outward forms (bread, cup, words) are worthless apart from inward obedience. • Unity is not optional; it is a defining mark of the ordinance. • Every participant must “discern the body” (1 Corinthians 11:29)—recognize both Christ’s crucified body and the church as His body. • Failure to honor the Supper invites God’s discipline (1 Corinthians 11:30-32). Supporting Scriptures • Luke 22:19-20—Jesus: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” • Acts 2:42, 46—the early church “continued steadfastly… breaking bread from house to house,” sharing with glad hearts. • Matthew 5:23-24—reconcile with a brother before offering a gift; harmony precedes worship. • Galatians 3:28—“you are all one in Christ Jesus,” a unity proclaimed at the table. Practical Takeaways for Today 1. Examine motives: Are we remembering Christ or merely maintaining tradition? (1 Corinthians 11:28). 2. Guard unity: address grudges, socioeconomic barriers, ethnic divides before approaching the table. 3. Share generously: the meal symbolizes grace freely given; our fellowship should mirror that generosity (Romans 12:13). 4. Approach with reverence: the bread and cup proclaim the Lord’s death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26); treat them as holy. 5. Expect blessing: when received rightly, the Supper deepens communion with Christ and with one another (John 6:56; 1 Corinthians 10:16). The warning in 1 Corinthians 11:20 reminds us that the Lord’s Supper is far more than an ordinance—it is a living proclamation of the gospel that must be treasured, shared in unity, and received with discerning hearts. |
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