“…do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19)
On the night Jesus was betrayed He gave thanks for the bread and cup representing His body and His blood. His body would be broken so that man might not exist in a broken relationship with God any longer. And His blood that was shed on the cross reveals that His entire life was poured out and expended for the benefit, and on behalf, of mankind.
“…do this in remembrance of Me.”
Jesus gives us something to do. Broken bread to eat. A cup to drink.
“…do this in remembrance of Me.”
We remember Jesus, but what are we remembering? What are we reminded of? It is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for sin of course. But communion is also a reminder, and we need reminders because we forget.
Communion reminds us of God’s love.
If we ever question or doubt the love of God, all we must do is gaze upon the sweet cross of Christ. It was on Calvary’s hill that God’s love was demonstrated to us in agonizing passion. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)
Communion reminds us of how disastrous sin really is.
Romans 6:23 says that “…the wages of sin is death.” Jesus suffered brutally as the sin of the world was placed upon Him. Our sin, our rebelliousness, is quite terrible. The death of Jesus show us just how awful the penalty of sin really is.
Communion reminds us of God’s grace and free gift of salvation.
It is by believing in Jesus through faith that we are saved. Ephesians 2 says that salvation is a gift so that no one can boast about it.
Communion reminds us that we have been bought with a price.
1 Pet. 1:18-19 tells us that we were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Christ. Because we have been redeemed and because we have been purchased, we owe our lives to the Lord in response to so great a salvation.
Communion reminds us that we are not our own.
We are the Lord’s special treasure. We are the Lord’s special possession. We are sheep in His pasture. And we are His bride. This not only means that we are cared for, but that we are to consider how we live. This leads to the next point.
Communion reminds us that we ought to be living for another kingdom.
God’s kingdom has different values that the kingdom of this world. God’s kingdom has different morays and maxims that flow against the tide of this world. What is acceptable in God’s kingdom, is abhorred in this man’s kingdom, and what is lauded here on earth is found detestable in heaven.
Communion reminds us of our glorious future with Jesus in heaven.
Jesus said that he would no longer drink of the cup until He drinks it with His disciples in the kingdom of God. This causes us to look to the future. This causes us to rejoice. How could we not rejoice about going to a real place where there is no sin, sorrow, disease, tears or pain? Being with Jesus for all eternity is glorious to think about.
Communion reminds us of many things, things Jesus desires for us to remember! We have forgiveness, a future and hope, and we have peace and fellowship with God because of the finished work of Jesus on the Cross. But one of the greatest reminders I often need to hear, is the fact that God loves me. God demonstrated His love for us by sending us Jesus the Savior. When we remember Jesus, we are reminded of God’s great love for us! Take time to remember Him today.
PD