Come to the Table

August 09, 2026

Summary

This sermon focuses on the meaning and power of the Lord's Supper, drawing from 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. The pastor unpacks the historical and cultural context of the early church in Corinth, explaining how wealthy believers were celebrating the Lord's Supper in a way that excluded and humiliated poorer members. By following the social customs of Roman dinner parties, where the best food and seats were reserved for the elite, the Corinthian church was contradicting the very message of the gospel they claimed to proclaim. 
JMT challenges the congregation to examine not just their inward condition, but the manner in which they
participate in the Lord's Supper and church gatherings. When Jesus is truly the host, everyone receives equal status and full portions. The Supper is meant to be a routine that draws believers together, breaks down cultural divisions, and demonstrates the power of the gospel to a watching world. The church is called to embody the love and acceptance of Christ in how they treat one another, and to expect the Holy Spirit to work with real power when they gather.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for welcoming us to your table. As we gather today, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to what you want to teach us and do among us. Remove any distractions or preconceptions we bring, and help us to truly hear from you. May this time together draw us closer to you and to one another. In Jesus name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one memorable meal you have shared with others, and what made it special?

Key Verses

  • 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
  • 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
  • 1 Corinthians 11:27-29

Questions

  • What stood out to you most from this passage in 1 Corinthians 11, and why?

  • The wealthy Corinthians were following cultural dinner party customs rather than the example of Jesus.
    • In what ways do you think our culture today can creep into how we do church?

  • Paul says the Corinthians were eating the Lord's Supper in an 'unworthy manner.'
    • Based on the sermon, what does that mean, and how is it different from being in an 'unworthy condition'?

  • Jesus is the true host of the Lord's Supper, meaning everyone receives equal status and full portions.
    • How does that truth challenge the way you think about your place in the church community?

  • Paul says that when we eat the bread and drink the cup, we 'proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.'
    • How does the way we treat one another during church gatherings affect the credibility of that proclamation to those outside the church?

  • The Lord's Supper is meant to be a routine that pushes us toward investing in specific relationships.
    • What routines or habits do you currently have that help you invest in the people around you?

  • (REFLECTIVE QUESTION) JMT challenged the congregation to open their eyes during the Lord's Supper and notice who is at the table with them.
    • Is there someone in your church community you have been avoiding or overlooking?
    • What might the Lord be calling you to do about that?

  • We have a call to not only look back in remembrance but to expect the Holy Spirit to work with real power when they gather.
    • What would it look like for your small group or church to actively expect and pray for that kind of power?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your church community whom you have not intentionally
invested in. Reach out to them, whether through a text, a phone call, or an invitation to share a
meal. Come to the Lord's Supper next Sunday with that relationship in mind, and ask God to
show you how He wants to work in you and through you for the good of others at His table.
Key Takeaways
The Lord's Supper is meant to reflect Jesus as the true host, where every believer receives
equal status and full gifts, regardless of social or economic standing.
When the church follows cultural patterns of favoritism and division, it contradicts the
gospel message it claims to proclaim and undermines its credibility in the world.
Participating in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner refers to the way it is practiced,
specifically by disregarding the body of Christ, not simply to a person's spiritual condition.
Church gatherings and the Lord's Supper are meant to be routines that push believers
toward one another, building authentic community and breaking down cultural barriers.
The church should not only look back in remembrance during the Supper but also expect
and pray for the present power of the Holy Spirit to be evident among them.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of your table, where every one of us has been welcomed not
because of what we have done but because of what you have done. As we leave today, help us
to carry that truth into how we treat the people around us. Give us eyes to see those we have
overlooked, and give us the courage to move toward them. As we prepare for the Lord's Supper,
work in us and through us so that our gatherings reflect your love, your generosity, and your
power. May the way we live together as your people be a clear and credible witness to the
gospel we believe. In Jesus name, amen.