1 Corinthians 11 reminds me of the loss of a parent. I always think of the word “legacy” at such a time. After the sadness and personal grieving, we are left with a choice about how to honor the person that taught us so much. Today’s lesson is about living out the legacy we received. Paul has a somber tone as he delves deep into careful instruction and correction. He begins: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Paul then explains a concept called headship. Two heads are better than one, unless they are divided. Biblical authority has little to do with tyrannical domination. It means to willingly submit in mutual cooperation. There is a sense of supreme trust. He continues, “The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” This relationship does not imply inferiority. It creates order with a shared goal. There is perfect oneness between Christ and the Father, though each has distinct and unique qualities. Later Paul summarized this bond: “in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.” Interdependence combines strengths and fortifies weakness. Remember, Paul is writing to folks without knowledge of the Jewish Law, living in the midst of sexualized pagan culture. We don’t just coexist; we cooperate recognizing that responsibility carries a necessary burden.
Next, Paul discusses hair and head coverings. He may have been responding to the gnostic ideology popular at the time. It taught of an androgynous soul; quite contrary to the biblical creation of male and female. Paul represents the eternal bond: “For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.” Biblical equality does not mean sameness. Paul makes a clear distinction that males and females are different. He concludes the subject using the firmest words possible: “If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.” He is dogmatic because he firmly believes you cannot have order without solid truth.
For the rest of the chapter, Paul issues a severe rebuke of the church in Corinth for the way they behaved during “the Lord’s Supper”. Remember, there were no church buildings; people gathered together in homes. Part of that gathering included something like a potluck meal. Paul begins: “I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good.” He has heard rumors that they are allowing divisions between the wealthy and poor. They were treating these gatherings like “private suppers” instead of celebrating the Savior. He continues: “One person remains hungry and another gets drunk.” He adds: “Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in?” Paul blasts them for “humiliating those who have nothing”. He then retells the story of the Last Supper. Jesus took the 1500-year-old symbols of hope and redemption, and He applied them to His crucifixion. What we call communion is a magnificent demonstration of the once and for all sacrifice of Messiah. Paul repeats the words of Jesus: “This cup is the new covenant… drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Paul explains: “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” This phrase has been misinterpreted to say that we need to pause to make sure that we are holy enough to receive the bread. Taking communion “in an unworthy manner” refers to an attitude of entitlement. The cross is a symbol of His sacrificial love. We are all made worthy by faith in the finished work of Christ. How do we remember Jesus? Whenever we gather in His name, we are to honor His legacy by extending to others the same grace we have received. “When you gather to eat, you should all eat together” in unity under the headship of Christ. He alone is worthy. My friend, what legacy will you leave behind?