A MEMORIAL MEAL

1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-26 NKJ 
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 

Paul was instructing the church at Corinth regarding the Lord's Supper.  Most of this chapter deals with problems the church was having with how they received or treated the Lord's Supper.  And how they were towards each other.   

The church at Corinth came out of a very pagan society.  And Paul has to address a large number of issues.   

But in our verses for today, we get a thumbnail sketch from Paul as to the meaning of the Lord's Supper.   

His body was broken for us.  This is the purpose of the bread.  When we break the bread and eat it, we are remembering that His body was broken for us.  He was our substitute.  His body was broken for us so that our bodies don't have to be broken, so we can be healed.   

His blood was shed for the remission of our sins.  His blood is what brought about a new covenant, a new agreement between God and man.  A much better covenant than the old covenant because Jesus' blood completely removed our sins.  In the old covenant, there were animal sacrifices, but they could not do the job that Jesus' blood did for us.   

Jesus accomplished an extraordinary work for mankind, but He had to die to do this.  Whenever we receive communion, we are having a memorial meal.  We are reminding ourselves of His sacrifice for us.  This is a reason we are not to treat communion lightly.  A serious price was paid, and we are to receive communion in a serious way.   

APPLICATION 

The next time you receive communion, use the bread and juice to be grateful and receive God’s help.  Grateful for all Jesus has done and receiving the benefits of the new covenant.  That can range from healing to forgiveness to strength or wisdom.  It's already been paid for, and communion or the Lord's Supper is our reminder, our memorial meal.   

PRAYER 

Father, I am grateful for Jesus and His death for me.  He paid a price, and I can receive the benefits.  I also thank You that Jesus is coming again.