11:18,19
One of the problems was that there were divisions among them. It may be that Paul is being sarcastic here when he says there have to be divisions, perhaps looking back to the issues discussed right at the start of the letter. In Christ there is meant to be unity, not division. Before the cross there is no superiority, for all are utterly guilty on their own merit, and all receive the mercy of Christ.
11:20-22
These problems carried over to practicalities as well. The meal highlighted material differences, the differences between the well off and not so well off. One would have plenty, another nothing. They were eating for themselves, not honouring the Lord. So we see the dishonouring of God and of each other going together. Paul was not going to commend them for this. There is a time to be totally blunt about things that are wrong.
11:23
Paul had left instructions that he had received from the Lord. Now Paul, of course, was not present at the Last Supper. These instructions could have been given to him either by direct revelation or passed on by one of the twelve. We need to remember that the focus of the Lord's Supper is on what happened on the cross, if we try and make the focus something else, such as “community” we are deeply mistaken. Fellowship and community flow from the cross, without the cross we have nothing.
11:24-26
Jesus became flesh for our sake. He lived his life in order to give it for us. He lived a life of perfect obedience, perfect trust and perfect love so that He could offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice. We are to eat the bread in remembrance of Him. In the same way we are to drink the wine in remembrance of Him. Covenants were often sealed in blood, it is Jesus’ blood shed on the cross that seals the new covenant.
When we take the Lord's Supper we proclaim His death until He returns. The cross is the foundation of our lives, as individuals and as a church.
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