Do This in Remembrance of Me 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Introduction:
In the simple yet profound words of Jesus, "Do this in remembrance of me," we find an invitation to partake in a sacred act of remembrance—the Lord's Supper. Today, let's delve into the significance of these words, exploring the transformative truth they hold for believers.
Point 1: The Foundation of Remembrance
1 Corinthians 11:23-24 (NLT) "For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. 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 in remembrance of me.'"
The foundation of remembrance lies in the sacrificial act of Jesus, symbolized by the breaking of bread. The term "remembrance" in Greek, "anamnesis," implies more than recalling a memory—it involves a living participation in the event being remembered.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer reflects on this participation, "Jesus is with us today, tomorrow, and every day. He is holding, sustaining, and leading us through life, and in every situation, we are present with him."
Luke 22:19 (NLT) "He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'"
Point 2: Communion as a Transformative Encounter
1 Corinthians 11:25 (NLT) "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 in remembrance of me.'"
The act of taking the cup signifies the establishment of a new covenant through Christ's blood. Communion becomes a transformative encounter with the living Christ, reminding us of the covenant relationship we have with God.
Henri Nouwen emphasizes the transformative nature of communion, "Every time we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes."
Matthew 26:28 (NLT) "For this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many."
Point 3: The Continuation of Christ's Presence
1 Corinthians 11:26 (NLT) "For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes."
Communion is not only a remembrance of past events but a proclamation of Christ's death until His return. It signifies the ongoing presence of Christ in the life of the believer and the anticipation of His second coming.
Oswald Chambers reflects on the continual presence of Christ, "The heart of salvation is the Cross of Christ. The reason salvation is so easy to obtain is that it cost God so much."
Revelation 22:20 (NLT) "He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon!' Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!"
Point 4: The Depth of God's Love
Romans 5:8 (NLT) "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
In this profound verse, the Apostle Paul encapsulates the essence of God's love and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
The conjunction "but" serves as a pivotal contrast, highlighting the divine initiative in the face of human fallenness.
God's love is not contingent upon our righteousness; instead, it is magnified in the midst of our sinfulness.
The phrase "God showed his great love" signifies a deliberate, visible demonstration of God's love.
The magnitude of this love is emphasized by the descriptor "great." It surpasses human comprehension and stands as an unparalleled expression of divine affection.
The action of "sending Christ to die for us" underscores the sacrificial nature of God's love.
The verb "sending" implies intentionality and purpose, indicating a deliberate plan of redemption.
God didn't merely observe our plight; He took decisive action.
The timing of this divine intervention is significant — "while we were still sinners." God's love wasn't extended to us based on our merit or righteousness; rather, it reached us in the depth of our fallen state. This aspect accentuates the unconditional nature of God's love. It is not earned; it is freely given.
In contemplating this verse, the words of A.W. Tozer resonate: "God's love is like a river, constantly flowing, always giving, and eternally refreshing. It is a love that pursues us even in our waywardness."
This verse encapsulates the heart of the Gospel, portraying God's love as the driving force behind the redemptive work accomplished through Jesus Christ. It invites us to marvel at the depth of divine love that sought us out in our brokenness, demonstrating that true love is not reactive but proactive, initiating transformation in the midst of our sin.
Take a moment to reflect on the depth of God's love demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ. The Lord's Supper is not just a ritual; it's a profound expression of God's unconditional love for humanity.
Martin Luther King Jr. beautifully expresses the transformative power of love, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Galatians 2:20 (NLT) - "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
In this powerful verse, the Apostle Paul encapsulates the transformative impact of the Gospel on the believer's identity and way of life. The opening declaration, "My old self has been crucified with Christ," symbolizes a profound spiritual reality.
The imagery of crucifixion signifies not just a superficial change but a complete and radical transformation of the believer's former self. The phrase "It is no longer I who live" emphasizes the death of the self-centered, sin-dominated life.
The crucifixion of the old self is so decisive that it results in a fundamental shift in identity. The believer, once characterized by sin and separation from God, is now fundamentally changed.
The subsequent affirmation, "but Christ lives in me," portrays the essence of Christian transformation.
It's not merely about behavioural modification; it's a spiritual union with Christ. The indwelling presence of Christ signifies a new source of life, motivation, and direction. The believer is now animated by the life of Christ within.
The verse then provides insight into the practical outworking of this transformation: "So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God." The Christian life is marked by trust and dependence on Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This trust extends beyond mere intellectual assent; it involves a continuous reliance on Christ for guidance, strength, and purpose.
The concluding affirmation, "who loved me and gave himself for me," reinforces the foundation of this transformation — love. The transformative process is rooted in the self-sacrificial love of Christ, who willingly gave Himself for the believer. This love becomes the driving force behind the believer's new life and identity.
Reflecting on Galatians 2:20, the words of J.I. Packer echo the profound reality of union with Christ: "What matters supremely is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it—the fact that He knows me."
Galatians 2:20 invites believers to embrace the radical transformation brought about by the Gospel, recognizing that their old self is crucified, and a new life, animated by the love and presence of Christ, has emerged.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Remembrance
As we respond to Jesus' command, "Do this in remembrance of me," may we approach the Lord's Supper with a deep understanding of its foundation, a transformative encounter with Christ, and a recognition of the ongoing presence of our Lord. Communion is not just a ritual; it's a living proclamation of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
Application:
Reflect on your approach to the Lord's Supper. Consider how you can engage in a more intentional and transformative remembrance of Christ during this sacred act.
Call to Action:
Commit to approaching the Lord's Supper with a heart of gratitude, recognizing the ongoing significance of Christ's sacrifice in your life. Let the remembrance of Jesus be a catalyst for a deeper relationship with Him and a proclamation of His redemptive work to those around you.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
