In Remembrance of Me - Four Facts About the Lord's Supper

We do it every week, every month, or every year. Some call it Communion, the Holy Supper, the Lord's Supper, or the Eucharistic Celebration. We know that this is a very important observance for Christians. But do we fully realize how important this observance was to Jesus and His disciples?

On a historic night, just before He was betrayed, a young Rabbi gathered with “His closest circle.” They held this meal for the first time. It was here that Jesus spoke words that would echo for thousands of years afterward: “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Here are several facts we can learn from the meal that began that chain of historic events. These four facts can help us appreciate even more what Jesus has done for us. They can also deepen the meaning of this meal each time we partake of it.

1. This is the only memorial Jesus commanded His disciples to keep observing

If we ask most Christians, or even people of other religions, “What is the number one celebration for Christians?” Perhaps the first answer would be Christmas, and the second would be Easter. They may indeed be the best-known celebrations, and each of them certainly carries very important meaning for us. But it was at the Lord's Supper that Jesus spoke the sentence that marks the significance of this observance: “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

For the first-century church, this was the observance they always kept whenever they gathered in homes. Their meetings were always marked by the breaking of bread and the drinking of wine to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Surely, Jesus still wants the same thing to be done by His disciples 2,000 years later.

2. Jesus wanted this observance to be simple and practical

The Passover celebration that formed the setting for the beginning of the Lord's Supper was one of the most important feasts for the Jewish people. Its procedures were written in detail in the Law of Moses and, over time, continued to develop in many ways. As for the meal itself, there were several required elements: roasted lamb, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread. Since Jesus told His disciples to prepare the Passover meal (Luke 22:15), all of those elements must have been on the table.

Considering how important this celebration was for the people of Israel, it is no wonder that Passover was observed on a grand scale. Passover was also a celebration often observed when the people of Israel experienced spiritual renewal. For example, the Passover in the days of King Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30:1-27) and Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:1-19). But the fact that Jesus chose the two most common elements shows that Jesus wanted this observance to be simple and practical.

3. Here Jesus clearly declared why and for whom He died

“For this is My blood, the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)

Notice how plainly Jesus stated the purpose of this suffering and for whom He would endure it. “For the forgiveness of sins” and “for many.” Interestingly, the Gospel of Luke records this saying of Jesus with a slightly different detail. There it is written that Jesus poured out His blood “for you.”

Yes, Jesus poured out His blood to save everyone who believes the message about Him. But even more than that, He chose to go through it all for me and you. Never miss this small detail each time we observe the Lord's Supper.

4. The effect of the Lord's Supper depends on the posture of our hearts and our personal faith

If we return to the first meal led by Jesus Himself, we will see that the effects of the meal were different for each person. The Lord's Supper did not make Judas change his mind about betraying Jesus. That meal also did not make Peter, James, and John “stay awake and watch,” much less join inprayer with Jesus.

There was never anything mystical or magical in it. The bread and wine do not automatically become holy objects that transform us in some miraculous way. Taking part in it or not taking part in it does not directly change our spirituality or salvation. Jesus even washed the feet of Judas, whom He knew would betray Him. Does this not show that the power of the Lord's Supper itself lies in our reflection on His work? Its effect depends on the posture of our hearts and our personal faith when we observe it. With the right posture of heart and faith, this meal will deeply transform our hearts.

The Importance of Taking Part in the Lord's Supper Today

Every day the devil strives to take away the word of the Lord that has been sown in our hearts. Hardship and persecution test the depth of our conviction and can weaken our faith. “The worries of this world, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19) compete with the word of the Lord for our hearts. We greatly need to reflect on the heart and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Whether gathering with the whole congregation or with just a few disciples of Jesus, Jesus calls us to the table to have fellowship with Him. Eating the bread and drinking the wine in the Lord's Supper will help us strengthen our resolve to finish the race of faith well.

Through century after century, continent after continent, whether under persecution or opposition, the death of the Lord must always be proclaimed until He comes again. Let us honor and obey the request of our Lord and Savior: “Do this in remembrance of Me.”