Remembering What Christ Did: Communion

Scripture: "On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and said, 'This is My body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.' In the same way, He took the cup of wine after supper, saying, 'This cup is the New Covenant between God and His people — an agreement confirmed with My blood. Do this to remember Me as often as you drink it.' For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He comes again." I Corinthians 11:23-26

What is your favorite fruit or sweet treat? Can you think of it, imagine its flavor? Why do you like that treat, and what happy memories do you associate with it?

God Made Your Mind

The Bible records God, our Creator saying, "I am the Lord, Who made all things" (Isaiah 44:24). He created our minds to work in certain ways. He made your brain so it could build connections and form memories. For instance, if you think about your favorite treat from childhood, you can probably recall a happy experience associated with it.

Jesus Created a Significant Memory

Jesus was building in His Disciples' hearts a similar connection during the Passover meal. Rather than a happy memory, it was a hopeful one. It says "He broke [the bread] in pieces and gave it to the Disciples, saying, 'Take this and eat it, for this is My body'" (Matthew 26:26). He called the wine His blood "poured out as a sacrifice" (Matthew 26:28). He was telling them that His earthly body was going to be destroyed. At the same time, he created a way for His followers throughout history to remind themselves of the sacrifice He made for us. He instructed them to take the meal "to remember Me" (Luke 22:19).

Keep Your Spiritual Focus

After the Resurrection, the followers of Jesus obeyed His instructions, "devot[ing] themselves ... to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper)" (Acts 2:42). This helped them recall that Jesus died for them, so they wouldn't have to pay the price for their own sins. In the same way today, as we take Communion, we associate the bread and the wine with Christ's sacrifice. Our memories are once again stirred to recall our joy in Salvation, and also sorrow over our sins that made the Saviour's agony necessary.