For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord Himself. On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and said, “This is My body, which is given for you. Do this to remember Me.” In the same way, He took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and His people—an agreement confirmed with My blood. Do this to remember Me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He comes again.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Well this is a passage that you know well if you have been a Christian for any length of time. Depending on your denomination will determine if you hear this passage once a week, twice a month or once a month. It will determine also how often you hear this actual passage read. Some churches read this passage every time they celebrate communion; no variation. But familiarity doesn’t necessarily mean we understand it. There are many passages of Scripture where we repeat the words almost like a mantra but don’t really understand the meaning. It is the meaning that is important. God’s word is meant to be understood. There is nothing magical about the words.
Look over this passage again with a view to truly understanding them. Take time to look at the connections.
Here are some questions to help your understanding of something you hear so frequently:
- Why Paul is saying what he is saying?
- How does this passage connect with what came before it?
- What does Paul mean he received this from the Lord? When did Paul receive it?
- What is the significance of “I passed on to you”?
- What is a covenant? How is this a new covenant?
- What is the symbolism of the bread and wine?
- And of course a basic theological/interpretative question – is it symbolism or is it real?
Well that should help you look at this familiar passage in a new way.
Don’t let your learning lead to knowledge; let your learning lead to action.
Jim Rohn
The Value You Place On Anything Is Immediately Manifest By The Price You Are Willing To Pay For It.
Robb Thompson