1 Corinthians 11:24-31
“And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”
What does it mean to come to the Lord’s Table unworthily?
What are the consequences of such behavior? How do we avoid being guilty of the body and blood of Jesus? And why is God so concerned with the state in which we partake in this ordinance of remembrance? These are just a few of the questions that arise from these verses, and different sects have varying interpretations of them. Without getting too deep into the theological debates, let’s focus on the serious nature of this ordinance, why it is offensive to God when disrespected, and how we can avoid disregarding the price paid for our redemption.
We can see from the language used in this passage that the Lord’s Table is not to be taken lightly. To partake unworthily is to be “guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” Scripture warns that those who do so “eateth and drinketh damnation to himself.” Paul even states that sickness and death had come upon some in the church because of their disregard for this holy ordinance. This may seem extreme, but it is plainly stated in God’s Word. Throughout history, we see examples of God’s judgment falling upon His people in severe ways, and we must remember that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. To partake of the Lord’s Supper with unconfessed sin is a sure way to displease God and bring judgment—not just upon ourselves but potentially upon our families and churches. When Paul says we “eat and drink damnation,” he is not necessarily referring to eternal damnation but to divine judgment in this life. If such sin persists, it could even lead to an early grave.
Why Does This Offend God?
Why is God so deeply concerned with how we partake in this ordinance? What about this merits such a serious warning? We must remember that God is not a temperamental cosmic overlord eager to strike us with lightning at the slightest offense. His judgments are always just, measured, and righteous. Even in His severest judgments, there is an element of mercy and grace.
The reason God's anger is kindled when we partake unworthily is because of what we have come to commemorate—the body that was broken for us and the blood that was shed for our redemption. The bread and the cup are not the actual body and blood of Christ, nor do they become so, but they do serve as representations of these things. That alone demands our deepest reverence.
Consider a delegate sent on behalf of a king. Though he is not the king himself, he represents him. To approach that delegate drunk, unwashed, or cursing would not only dishonor the delegate but also the king who sent him. In the same way, we must show the utmost respect for the elements that remind us of our King, Jesus Christ, and the price He paid for us.
A biblical example of this principle is found in Moses’ sin in the wilderness. When he struck the rock instead of speaking to it, it may have seemed like a small act of disobedience, but it resulted in his being barred from the Promised Land. It was not merely about striking a rock—it was about disregarding what that rock represented. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:4-5 that the rock was a type of Christ. In the same way, the bread and the cup represent Christ’s sacrifice, and God expects us to treat them with the reverence they deserve.
How Do We Partake Worthily?
Paul gives us the answer: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28)
Before approaching the Lord’s Table, we are called to examine ourselves. This is the responsibility of the individual, not the church leadership, as the grammar of the verse indicates. To examine ourselves means to be honest before God, allowing Him to search our hearts. Our personal judgment may be flawed, but when we come before the Lord, He sees every detail of our lives and is able to cleanse us from all sin—both intentional and presumptuous.
Paul then gives us a promise: “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” (1 Corinthians 11:31) If we bring our sins before the Lord, confess them, plead for mercy, and—where necessary—make restitution or offer apologies, we can rest assured that no pending judgment hangs over our heads.
A Life of Communion
These verses not only teach us how to approach the Lord’s Table but also guide us in how to live. True communion with the Lord involves constant fellowship with Him and His people, daily self-examination, and ongoing remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.
When we come before Him each day—examining our hearts, confessing our sins, and remembering His sacrifice—we cultivate a life of true fellowship with Him. May God teach us to walk in daily communion with Him and His church.
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