For the last twenty years or so Dave and I have taken time at the beginning of the year to celebrate communion – just the two of us.
We take time, on purpose, to remember Christ’s sacrifice. We express gratitude for His love, healing, peace of mind, forgiveness and daily provision.
“Do this in remembrance of Me!”
As I’m writing this, I can see Jesus reclining around the table with His disciples at His final Passover dinner. The Passover celebration was a remembrance of the Father’s deliverance and power. When the Israelites left Egypt, they were ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Their bread was free from leaven, the spotless lamb was boiled and blood was applied to the doorposts and the header beam. This secured their safety when the death angel “passed over” the land.
I imagine that night with Jesus they were all in a celebratory mood. They were remembering God’s protection and provision as their ancestors left Egypt, headed for the land of promise.
“ Then He brought Israel out with silver and gold. And there was not one weak person among their families. 38 Egypt was glad when they left. For they had become afraid of Israel. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light at night.” Psalm 107:37-39 NLV
Jesus was preparing them, as best He could, for the events that were about to occur. He needed them to be strong for each other. He wanted them to remember the miracles that they had seen and done. He wanted them to be free from fear!
“Then Jesus took bread and gave thanks and broke it in pieces. He gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you. Do this to remember Me.’ 20 In the same way, after they had finished the bread, He took the cup. He said, ‘This cup is My blood of the New Way of Worship which is given for you.'” Luke 22:19-20 NLV
He did something they really wouldn’t understand until after the resurrection. He presented Himself to His disciples as the spotless lamb of God. The bread and the cup had always been a reminder of God’s deliverance from physical abuse and slavery. But now Jesus made it personal. This is my body and my blood given for you. I AM your salvation and your deliverance – remember Me!
The actions of Jesus that night weren’t just for His disciples. The Apostle Paul said that they are for us as well. It is a time of remembrance of all Jesus has done to provide us with new life.
“When He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take this bread and eat it. This is My body which is broken for you. Do this to remember Me.’ 25 In the same way after supper, He took the cup. He said, ‘This cup is the New Way of Worship made between God and you by My blood. Whenever you drink it, do it to remember Me.'” I Corinthians 11:24-25 NLV
Communion isn’t just a religious rite or exercise. It is His promise to be our Savior, Lord, Healer, Provider, Giver of Life.
I hope you will set some time aside with your spouse or your family and “Do this in remembrance of Me”.