by: Russell McLaughlin

Dining with the King

     Legendary sports broadcaster Jon Miller, who called games for the Baltimore Orioles for many years, was considered one of the best in the nation. Miller had a simple habit to keep him focused: he always set an egg timer to remind him to give the score every three minutes. He never wanted the audience to forget the most important thing.

​

      The Lord’s Supper serves a similar purpose for Christians. In the busyness and struggles of life, it calls us back—every week (Acts 20:7)—to what matters most. In 1 Corinthians 11:17–34, Paul shows four key truths about the Lord’s Supper. 

​

1. A Commemoration (vv. 23–25). Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” When we take the bread and cup, we remember His body, His blood, and His sacrifice at the cross that made our forgiveness possible. When we take communion, we participate in a memorial encounter.

​

2. A Proclamation (v. 26). Paul writes, “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” The supper preaches a silent sermon (v.26).  It proclaims Christ’s death (v.26), His second coming (v.26), and His new covenant (v.25).

​

3. An Examination (vv. 27–29). Paul warns against taking the Supper in an unworthy manner. Each believer must examine themselves and make sure they are in the right frame of mind and spirit.

​

4. A Unification (v. 33). Paul reminds the church to “wait for one another.” Communion is not a solo act; it is something we share with other Christians. The supper unifies us as we share it.

​

     Just as Miller’s timer kept the score before the fans, the Lord’s Supper keeps Christ’s sacrifice before His people. Every week, it calls us back to remember, proclaim, examine, and unite around the cross.