17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
27Therefore, 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. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
REFLECTION
- This chapter deals with the women’s head coverings (vv2-16) and the above passage regarding the Lord’s Supper (Communion).
- The communion service is a memorial. As the Israelites ate the Passover meal, each family relived the experience of its ancestors. Today through the bread and cup, we return to the foot of the cross. So, in the communion service, as we are united with Christ through faith, we share His death and His resurrection. “Do this in remembrance” invites us to experience the awesome moment when our salvation was won. It invites us to experience the holy God and to offer Him our thanks, our worship, and our praise.
- If possible, kneel down to pray. Tell God all your gratitude and other emotions for all that Jesus has done on the cross for you. During next communion service, remember to take Communion “in remembrance” of Jesus and His Sacrificial Love.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv23-26 only.)
Consult with church pastor on how to share communion with your children. Here is a good resource for explaining and actually conducting a communion at home with children. ministry-to-children.com/sharing-communion-with-children/
Proverbs for Today 18:12-15
12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.
13 If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.