1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (NRSV)
Read 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, Verse 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Verse 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." Verse 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Devotion
It is amid factions and divisions that Paul reminds the Corinthians of what the Lord’s Supper is all about. The Corinthians have made Holy Communion a privatized affair, each to their own fill of food and drink, with those who have nothing going home hungry. A meal meant for the spiritual fullness of all has deteriorated into a display of individualism. “When you come together,” says Paul, “it is not for the better but for the worse.” Paul reminds the Corinthians and us that there is no seat at the table of the Lord’s Supper for cliques and contentions. Jesus hosts this meal offering his entire self—his body and blood in remembrance of his death but also of his life and ministry for us and among us. Jesus’ invitation to the table is both participation and proclamation. We gather with fellow disciples then nourished for testimony in our own lives of Jesus’ grace and love.
Prayer
Dear God, being together as disciples of Christ gives us such strength and hope. Thank you for the gift of this shared meal that sustains and nourishes us in our belief. Amen.
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