Moldy Bread & Fine Wine
August 2, 2026
It is communion at the Corinthian church–a time to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for all. They’re celebrating with a full meal. On one side sits a wealthy man, plate heaped with mouth-watering delicacies. Across the table sits a day laborer with a crust of moldy bread. See anything wrong with that picture? Paul does!
1. What’s the most memorable or extravagant meal you’ve ever had? What do you remember about it?
2. This passage is about communion, also known as The Lord’s Supper. How would you explain it to someone who has never experienced it?
3. READ 1 Cor 11:17 Paul says, in effect, “It might be better if you didn’t meet at all.” Have you ever been part of a group, family, or gathering where that felt true? What made it that way?
4. READ 1 Cor 11:18-21 What seems to be going on as they celebrate The Lord’s Supper? What does it reveal about the motives of some of the Corinthians?
5. Roman society was ranked by legal status, birth, citizenship, wealth, and honor—and “equality” meant everyone gets what they deserve according to their ranking. What are the invisible stratifications in our world today? What categories do you put people into without realizing you’re doing it?
6. It appears that the wealthy Corinthians had choice food and fine wine at the same table where a poor day laborer sat with moldy bread—and felt fine about it, because “everyone got what they deserved.” How does this conflict with the meaning and purpose of The Lord’s Supper and following Jesus in general? Where might we find subtler versions of this today, inside the church?
7. READ 1 Cor 11:22 Paul is furious not because they had different amounts, but because they were celebrating Jesus’ death and calling themselves “the body of Christ” while quietly reinforcing every human hierarchy Jesus came to demolish. How might that apply to us today?
8. READ 1 Cor 11:23-26 Compare it with Matthew 26:26-28 What is different? What is the same? What do you learn from Paul’s framing of The Lord’s Supper?
9. On Sunday we said that “In the house of Jesus, the old distinctions are demolished.” Which distinction is hardest for you to let go of—class, education, race, politics, age, style, background, life stage, marital status, church background, or something else?
10. READ 1 Cor 11:27-32 The sermon said Paul’s warning means “don’t make a mockery of Jesus’ death; don’t take it for granted.” When has communion become routine or hurried for you? What might make it fresh again?
11. READ 1 Cor 11:33-34 Paul’s refrain in this passage and, really, in this letter is to ‘Wait for each other.’ Where in your life are you not waiting—rushing ahead, insisting on your preferences, running your own show, taking what’s yours before checking on anyone else? What would waiting look like?
12. Consider taking communion together as a group. Use 1 Cor 11:23-26 to lead you through it. [note: use whatever you have on hand–water, soda, crackers, cookies–it’s ok!]