READ
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
CONSIDER
What do you first think of when you think about the Lord’s Supper? Most of us likely think of the church gathering together—at SCBC, on the second Sunday of each month—to remember the Lord’s death: Jesus’ body broken and His blood shed for us, securing the promises of the New Covenant. We take time for self-examination and reflection, coming with reverence and gratitude for Christ’s finished work on the cross.
As we prepare for the Lord’s Supper, however, we are called not only to examine our vertical relationship with God but also our horizontal relationships with one another. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). The Lord’s Supper reminds us of Christ’s sacrificial love and calls us to extend that same love, hospitality, and care to others.
Unfortunately, this was not happening in the Corinthian church. When they gathered, their selfishness and divisions contradicted the very meaning of the meal they were celebrating (1 Cor. 11:20–22). Rather than reflecting Christ’s self-giving love, they neglected those in need. As we partake of communion, we proclaim the gospel—what Christ has done for us and the hope of His return. This gospel not only reconciles us to God but also transforms how we love and serve others, especially those who are overlooked and marginalized.
This Communion Sunday, we welcome Dr. Jesse Sudirgo, Assistant Professor of Contextual Ministry at Tyndale University, to preach from 1 Corinthians 11. As we gather around the Lord’s Table, he will challenge us to consider how Christ’s radical love calls us to reach the least reached in our city and neighbourhoods, extending to others the same grace and hope that we ourselves have received.
Deaconess Karman Tam
PRAY
Heavenly Father, we pray that You would shape us into disciples whose daily lives clearly point others toward Jesus. Cleanse our hearts as we examine ourselves today. May we not allow worldly divisions—status, preferences, or differences— to take hold of us. Lord, may the gospel we proclaim in communion not only remind us that we have been reconciled to You, but also transform how we live and serve. Teach us to be imitators of Christ in loving and serving others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
DIVING DEEPER
Read 1 Corinthians 11:1
Paul boldly says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Would you want others to copy your spiritual habits and generosity this week? What would you change?
Read 1 Corinthians 11: 20-22
The wealthy Corinthians were ignoring the poor at church gatherings. In our modern context, what are the subtle ways we might exclude, ignore, or overlook certain groups of people within and outside of our church?
How can we keep communion from becoming an empty ritual?
How should remembering Christ’s sacrifice shape the way we live throughout the week?
Read 1 Corinthians 11:33-34
What is one practical way you or your community group can show Christ’s love to your “neighbours” this week/month?