Remembering Jesus

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..."

1 Corinthians 11:24-25

In order to deal with problems in the way the Corinthians were celebrating the Lord's Supper, the Apostle Paul reminded them of the tradition he had passed on earlier. He told once again the most basic story of the Last Supper, including crucial words of Jesus: "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me." "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" (11:24-25).

In the original Greek of this passage, twice Paul uses the word anamnesis, which means "remembrance." Twice he quotes Jesus as saying, "Do this in remembrance of me." Why is remembering so essential? What happens when we remember Jesus?

Remembering is a central aspect of biblical faith. The people of Israel are to remember God's goodness to them, most of all his action of delivering them from bondage in Egypt (see, for example, Exod. 13:13; Deut. 5:5). Forgetting what God had done for them was the first step towards rebelling against him (Ps. 106:7). Thus David prays, "Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me" (Ps. 103:2).

Biblical faith rests, not just upon the revelation of God's truth in the form of laws or concepts, but also and essentially upon God's self-revelation through actions. God makes himself known to us through what he does, most of all, in saving us from sin. Thus, we know God most clearly when we remember the good things he does for us, the center of which is the saving death of Christ on the cross.

When we remember Jesus, we see God with clear vision. When we remember Jesus, we are refreshed in his grace. When we remember Jesus, we know, once again, that nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: The Lord's Supper is the central means by which we remember Jesus and his death for us. When you participate in this sacrament, how do you think of Jesus? What else in life helps you to remember God's love for you in Christ?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, how good it is, how important it is, to remember you. In the busy rush of life, I can begin to live forgetfully. Though I know what you have done for me, I can go through a day without recalling your grace. Forgive me, Lord!

Help me to remember your love when I celebrate your Supper.

Help me to remember your love when I am tempted to sin against you.

Help me to remember your love when I have the opportunity to love a person in need.

Help me to remember your love when I feel afraid and lonely.

May I live each day remembering you, Lord Jesus, and your love for me demonstrated in your death.

All praise be to you! Amen.