1 Corinthians 11:17-34
There were divisions at Corinth. Their assembly meetings felt the effects of them. The rich made the poor ashamed and stirred up their jealousy. More serious still, the Lord’s supper when merged with the love feast (the shared meal), was taken unworthily by many. It was the opportunity for the apostle to recall what the Lord had specially revealed to him. The Lord’s supper is the holy remembrance of the Christ who gave Himself for us. It is a remembrance which certainly speaks to the heart of each one taking part but also proclaims to the world this fact of prime importance: the One who is the Lord had to die. And until His return, we are requested to proclaim this death of the Lord in the noble yet simple language we have been taught.
Lastly this remembrance speaks to the conscience of the believer, for the death of Christ indicates that sin has been judged. To partake of the Lord’s supper without having judged oneself beforehand is to lay oneself open (while on earth) to the effects of that condemnation. That was the reason for the weakness of a number of people at Corinth (and amongst us perhaps); sickness and even death had struck down several (v. 30). Nevertheless fear should not keep us away (v. 28). It can and must be combined with a fervent response to the One who said: "This do in remembrance of me" (vv. 24, 25).