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Holy Week · Maundy Thursday · Year B

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

The Lord’s Supper

March 25, 2027

The Institution of the Eucharist, Ercole de' Roberti
The Institution of the Eucharist, Ercole de' Roberti, c. 1490The National Gallery, London
A Ferrarese predella panel with the apostles seated in a severe classical hall, and Judas already leaving down the side.The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.The National Gallery, LondonFounded in 1824 with thirty-eight pictures bought from a banker's estate, and still free to enter, as its founders insisted.The National Gallery, London
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelMark 14:12-26Mk 14:12-26Alt. GospelJohn 13:1-17, 31b-35Jn 13:1-17, 31b-35
Epistle1 Cor. 10:16-171 Cor 10:16-17Alt. Epistle1 Cor. 11:23-321 Cor 11:23-32
Old TestamentExod. 24:3-11Ex 24:3-11Alt. OTExod. 12:1-14Ex 12:1-14
PsalterPs. 116:12-19Ps 116:12-19

Overview & Insights

“Do this in remembrance of me… For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)

The danger of an amalgamation between pagan and Christian worship loomed in the Corinthian setting. After pointing out how clothing (veiling) blurred what should have been a clear distinction between pagan and Christian worship practices (11:2–16), Paul now turns to the issue of the Lord’s Supper itself. The very rooms in homes that used to host pagan worship in the setting of a private dinner were now the space for Christian worship, including the Christian meal called the Lord’s Supper (see the “Additional Insights” following this unit). A mere change of liturgy, prayers, and readings is insufficient—Christian worship requires a form that expresses the content of Christ’s gospel. Interpretive Insight 11:17 In the following directives I have no praise for you. Striking a sterner tone, Paul contrasts his commendation in 11:2 with the opposite statement here.

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Take it further: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26Commentary on 1 Cor 11:23-26 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary's Maundy Thursday commentary on Paul's account of the institution of the Supper.

1 Corinthians 11 Commentary1 Cor 11 Commentary Precept Austin

Verse by verse commentary covering the Lord's Supper section of the chapter.

1 Corinthians 11 Commentary: Concerning Women1 Cor 11 Commentary: Concerning Women Enduring Word

David Guzik's commentary works through Paul's instructions on the Supper and self-examination.

Background & Word Study

What Is the Sacrament of the Altar? CTSFW (Hermann Sasse)

A classic Lutheran theological essay on the real presence rooted in this Corinthians text.

The Church Fathers

1 Corinthians 111 Cor 11 Catena Bible

Patristic comment collected verse by verse across the institution narrative.

Sermons & Reflections

Holy Week Helps: Maundy Thursday 1517.org

Preaching helps for the Maundy Thursday epistle centered on the new covenant in the Supper.

Worship & Prayers

The Sacrament of the Altar Book of Concord (Large Catechism)

Luther's own exposition of this text as the confessional basis for the Lutheran doctrine of the Supper.

Podcast

The Lord's Supper, Part 1 - Dr. John KleinigThe Lord's Supper, Part 1 - Dr. Jn Kleinig Issues, Etc.

A Lutheran radio conversation on the theology of the Supper grounded in this text.

Art & Music

Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt

A curated image index for this reading across the history of Christian art.

Questions preachers ask

What does Paul hand on about the Lord's Supper?

Paul passes on the words of institution received from the Lord: the bread that is his body and the cup that is the new covenant in his blood, proclaimed until he comes.

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