Do This In Remembrance Of Me 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Series

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.