Remembrance

“And when he had given thanks, he broke it [bread] and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

Remembering is important. We remember nearly everything that happens to us, if only vaguely. But though sometimes our memories can be blurred, we always take care to remember things that are important to us. Things that mean something to us are not easily forgotten. Things that we consider mundane or unimportant—like what we had for supper three weeks ago last Tuesday—are much more likely to be forgotten than memories of weddings, for example. 

A lot of times, things can help us remember. A song that comes on the radio can remind you of the first date you had with your spouse. Someone commenting on something they learned about history can remind you of how you studied that same thing for an upcoming test months ago. They can even help us remember things that we normally wouldn't think of. For example, that supper that you have trouble remembering...seeing a spatula might remind you of what you cooked and how you cooked it. 

When Jesus was partaking of the Last Supper that he ever had before his Crucifixion, he took some ordinary items that he had on hand, bread and wine, and charged his disciples to remember him. There was nothing magical or mystical about the bread or the wine. It was just there. But Jesus also used it in order to help us remember why he had come, and why he would allow others to take away his life.

He broke the bread to show that his body would be broken. He poured the wine to show how his blood would be poured out. Just as he broke the bread and poured the wine for others to partake of, so too he allowed his body to be broken and his blood be spilled for others. For us, and our redemption! For our salvation! For forgiveness of our sins! Let me tell you this: Jesus did not have to die. He knew he did not necessarily have to die. But he also chose to die, not because he enjoyed the thought of death, but because it was the only way to save us. We have all sinned, and the punishment of sin is death. Jesus had not sinned, so he did not have to die. But he decided that he would take our punishment, so that we could be redeemed, not because of our own righteousness, but because of his righteousness.

Something like that, needs to be remembered. If you are a Christian, the next time you take Holy Communion, remember it is not some trite ritual that has no meaning other than to prove how spiritual you are. It is remembering the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and how he gave himself completely and entirely, just to save you!