“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you.” – 1 Corinthians 11:23
When the Apostle Paul writes about the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11, it seems clear that he had the best possible teacher. Paul didn’t learn about Communion from Peter or James or John. He learned directly from Jesus.
In verse 23, Paul says that what he’s about to teach us about the Lord’s Supper was something he “received from the Lord.” And when he shares what Jesus taught him, he instructs us to look in four directions. We are to Look Back; Look Ahead; Look Inside; and Look Around.
#1: Look Back (vs. 23-26a). When we take Communion, we need to look BACK—remembering Jesus’ body that was offered and His blood that was poured out as He died on the cross for our sins. As theologian Warren Wiersbe puts it: “It is not the life of our Lord, or His teachings, that will save sinners—but His death.” At The Lord’s Table, we look back to the cross and remember what Jesus did in love for you and me.
#2: Look Ahead (vs. 26b). When we take Communion, we need to look AHEAD—celebrating the fact that Jesus will one day come back to take His followers to heaven. The Lord’s Table isn’t just about respectfully remembering our Savior who died for us. It’s also about celebrating our Savior who CONQUERED death for us. Our Savior lives and will one day come back to take us home to heaven. So, Communion is a beautiful time to look ahead with the eyes of faith and celebrate our soon and coming King.
#3: Look Inside (vs. 27-31). When we take Communion, we need to look INSIDE—making sure that we are not taking Communion in an unworthy manner. If you are reading God’s Word each day and receiving good Bible teaching every week, believe me: The Holy Spirit WILL rebuke you discreetly. And it is up to you to heed His rebuke. Confess your sins to Him. Ask Him to forgive you. And turn from your sins.
#4: Look Around (vs. 17-22 & 33). Whenever we take Communion, we need to look AROUND—making sure to make things right with other Christians in the church. Before you take Communion, look around the room and ask yourself: “Is there anyone here today that I need to make peace with? Is there anyone that I’m out of fellowship with?” If the answer to either question is “Yes,” follow Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 5:23-25a. First, make things right with your brother or sister in Christ. Then, take Communion together.
As you gather with your church family to take Communion, remember that the Lord’s Supper is one of the most beautiful and meaningful parts of the worship service. But each of us must make sure to focus on Christ as we Look Back. Look Ahead. Look Inside. And Look Around.
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