Sunday Morning Starters – Worship

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:17-20)

Do This In Remembrance Of Me

Luke is the only Gospel writer that mentions Jesus saying, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. The Lord’s Supper is not just a part of worship where we drink some juice and eat some bread. A time of remembrance is a memorial to one who has died. When a loved one dies and we assemble to honor them in a memorial all we can think about is who this person is and what they mean to us. The closer our relationship to our loved one the deeper the meaning of the service.

Remembering Jesus implies knowledge. As we grow in Christ and His life becomes clearer to us the memorial takes on greater meaning. It may be said that if the Lord’s supper is not a moving celebration of His death we really do not know Him very well. Jesus wanted us to take the emblems of this feast with a mind that is drawn to His character, His example, His teaching and His love. When we assemble as saints of God today we remember not just the fact of His death but the emotional impact on what the memorial means. He died but He lives again never to die.

Up from the grave He arose; with a mighty triumph over His foes. Remember this.

It was not weakness which made Christ hang on the cross; it was obedience to the law of sacrifice, of love. For how could He save us if He ever saved Himself? (Fulton Sheen, Radio Sermon, April 6, 1941)