Jesus said, “… do this in remembrance of Me.” The only thing Jesus told us to do specifically in “remembrance” of, or as a memorial of Him, was what we often refer to as “communion”. The two sacramental practices instituted by the first century church are water baptism and communion. Both hold great significance for disciples of Jesus Christ, and by faith offer a doorway to victorious, fruitful, and satisfying Christian living. This writing is intended to briefly address the latter.
Reading 1Cor 11:17-34 provides context for why and how we should be exercising our faith to regularly receive fresh life through Jesus, or “walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16). Specifically, Paul is bringing correction to the Corinthian church, known for it’s abundance of spiritual gifts, along with excesses in conduct. They are having communion or “love feasts”, and the atmosphere there is grossly unedifying and relationally dysfunctional. Descriptors such as “come together … for the worse”, “divisions”, “factions”, “despising the church”, and “shame” are all used to describe what their “Love Feast” has devolved into. This clearly is not what was intended by the words, “do this in remembrance of Me.”
Isaiah 53:4-5 reminds us that Jesus literally bore our griefs (lifts our sickness), carried our sorrows (took the burden or our pain), was wounded for our transgression (sins), bruised for our iniquities (sinful ways), the chastisement for our peace was upon Him (promised contentment and wholeness within), and by His stripes we are healed (physical and spiritual well-being). To understand the value and importance of communion we need to connect Isaiah’s prophecy referenced above with the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, “… this is My body broken for you … this is the new covenant in My blood.” This is a very very big deal, and Jesus healing the sick, and setting people free of all kinds of torments is the most wonderful provision for so many in desperate need today.
Jesus was raised from the dead, but the focal point of communion is His death and the real reasons for it. He gave Himself freely to pay the price for our forgiveness, healing, redemption, etc. For God so loved the world, He sent Jesus to pay for our sins, and reconcile us to God, offering a complete now and forever salvation! Praise the Lord.
What exactly should we be remembering in practicing this sacrament? Remember, sin is no longer your problem, since the real and necessary work we have to do is to from the heart trust Him (Jn 6:29; 2Cor 5:17-21). Remember, God’s love for you, and others is why Jesus chose to suffer and die the way He did (John 3:16-18). Remember, the righteousness of Jesus was left to you and all believers in Jesus Christ, in His “will”. By doing “the will of God”, Jesus was able upon His death to leave to us His righteousness (Heb 9:16-17; Matt 26:39; 2Cor 5:18-21). It was His to give, and He has given it to us. Remember, He is the same Jesus today, as He was in the Gospels, and receive His full ministry in your life (Heb 13:8; Acts 10:38). Remember, God loves your neighbor as much as He does you, and be open to freely give away His love to church, and community (Jn 13:34-35; Matt 25:31-46). As our world struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic, a toxic and volatile political environment, and overwhelming cultural challenges, isn’t it time for believer’s in Jesus to draw nearer to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit if this would be a good time for you to begin making communion part of your devotional seeking Him and His will, part of your family’s devotional life, and part of your life group fellowship. 1Cor. 11:26 “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” In more clearly proclaiming His death, and God’s anointed purpose behind it, we will open a door of grace to partake of healing, deliverance, peace, and joy for our good, and a living testimony to our world.