Have you ever notice that I Corinthians 11:17-34 is all about the church being unified? This is the classic passage about the Lord's Supper. It is used whenever communion/Lord's Supper/Eucharist is observed in churches. Paul is addressing the Corinthians behavior while observing this ordinance, but his challenge has to do with how they are treating one another.
The Corinthians were dividing over class. The rich were eating a lot and leaving the poor without. They were disgracing the unity that comes from the cross. They were more concerned about their appetite than about there brother and sister in Christ. This was a disgrace to the "Lord's" supper. From verses 17 and 18 to verses 33 and 34, Paul is talking about sharing with each other without divisions.
Verse 29 says "For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself". Makes me wonder if the "body of the Lord" is talking about the other believers. Maybe the warning is about acting like you are the church, but not really being considerate of the other members of the body.
It seems that the Christian life was meant to be lived in the context of community and not in isolation. It seems that the Lord's Supper has a lot to do with Christian community and not just personal reflection.
Just some things I am have been considering. Any thoughts?
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2 comments:
Very excited to start seeing the church leaving the building. You've probably experienced this more than I have, seeing people that are a part of "the body" actually living it out throughout the rest of the week. When we act together there's less chance of being disconnected. Good thoughts KG!
I think the symbolism of the elements "wine" and "bread" are beautiful as well. Wine something we think of as for the rich. Bread a basic food for survival and nutrition, which is probably more consciously connected with the poor. Yet the cross was a symbolism of them both together. Further reason for the church to break down the walls that divide and unite as one. We should all find equal footing at the cross!
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