A Study of the commands from our Lord, Jesus the Christ

Week 28, June 6th

This week's Tour Stop: "Do this in remembrance of Me".

Jesus first issued this command to the disciples sitting around the table at the last supper (see Luke 22:19 (NASB)). Paul reminds the Corinthians about this command of Jesus in Paul's first letter to them (see 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (NASB)).

Both Matthew (see Matthew 26:26-28 (NASB)) and Mark (see Mark 14:22-24 (NASB)) have the command to take the bread and wine, however, there is no mention of performing this act "in Remembrance of Me".

From these passages, disciples of Jesus have developed a sometime eloborate ceremony or ritual, we designate as communion.

Several denominations elevate communion, the "breaking of bread" and "drinking from the cup", to a "sacrament". The meaning of scrament: "a religious ceremony or act of the Christian Church that is regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace" (see Google search of "sacrament" ).

I cringe at the phrase "an outward and visible sign" used to define a sacrament and think of Jesus' warnings about practicing acts of righteous before men. (see Matthew 6:1 (NASB))

Don't get me wrong; I am not against the ceremony. I am trying to warn about the danger of making the ceremony more important than the part of "Do this in Remembrance of Me" Remember the passage in Revelation where Jesus warns the Ephesian church that they were putting too much emphasis on doctrine and had "left their first love" (see Revelation 2:1-5 (NASB))

Then there is the opposite end of the spectrum; Trivialize the entire process. Paul warns the Corinthians about the danger of eating the bread and drinking the cup in an "unworthy" manner (see 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 (NASB)).

Let's examine Luke's version.

First, Jesus takes the bread and gives thanks (verse 19). What a wonderful opportunity communion provides every believer. A chance to stop and give thanks to the LORD.

Second, Jesus gives to all that are present (verse 19). Everybody is invited to participate.

Lastly, Jesus tells them what this all means. The bread represents His body that was sacraficed so that I might live forever. This is WHAT this command is all about: "do this in remembrance" (verse 20)

Never Forget

what Jesus has done for you. Never forget that He is transforming you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Never forget you have moved from death into life. This is the take away. "Do this (i.e. Communion) in remembrance (i.e. Jesus' death and resurrection) of me".

This command, found in verse 19 and in verse 20 using the cup, is about reminding us the finished work of Jesus.

It is not the about HOW we break bread nor share the cup. It is about WHO, it is about remembering Jesus.

Here is an suggestion, the next time you are with believers, take some bread, share with the group and remember Jesus.

If you have any other questions for me please send me an email

If this link does not work for you my email address is 'burtonmark@cox.net' with the subject line of 'Week 28'. I would love to hear from you.

The tour continues next week but I am not at all sure which of the commands of our LORD I will be sharing.

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