For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. –1 Corinthians 11:23-26(NIV)

On yet another Sunday, the coronavirus pandemic has kept us from meeting together.  It is the first Sunday of the month, and we usually observe communion—the eating and drinking of the symbolic bread and wine that represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ.  Although we cannot do communion together at this time, we can still reflect on the significance of the Lord’s Supper and remember Jesus Christ. 

Each of the four Gospels contains an account of the Lord’s Last Supper.  Up until that time, the Passover Meal was held annually in remembrance of what God had done for the Jews in Exodus 12. But as Jesus sat with his 12 disciples, he was establishing a new covenant—one that would be for all believers.

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. –Luke 22:19-20 (NIV)

When we remember Jesus Christ through communion, we remember the gift of salvation.  God sent his Son to be the sacrifice for us so that we could be saved from death and instead inherit the gift of eternal life.  When we remember Jesus Christ, we must take it personally that he died for our individual sins.  I am the benefactor of God’s grace and mercy and so many blessings every day that I cannot help but remember!  What Jesus Christ did for me deserves my remembrance, my gratitude, and my obedience.  What about you?

Having recently celebrated Resurrection Sunday, Jesus’ crucifixion is still rather fresh in our minds.  As time goes on, that imagery can fade and soften, and we can begin to take the gift of salvation for granted.  But Romans 6 and Hebrews 10 urges us not to do that, but rather to lives in obedience to Christ.  When we remember someone, we establish their significance in our lives.  We take the time to celebrate special days of observance, like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, because these people are important to us.  We remember them on birthdays and even in memoriam.  We think about how these people impacted our lives in very personal ways—the lessons they taught us and the values they shared.  Likewise, when we remember Jesus Christ, we must also remember everything he commanded us to do.  The Bible is full of reminders for us on how Jesus Christ expects us to live as Christians.  This is one reason why remembering Jesus Christ is important to us as Christians.  We must establish Jesus Christ’s significance in our lives on a regular basis so that we remain ready for his return.

Today, I encourage you to remember Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:8).  Remember the significance of his sacrifice.  Take it personally, but not for granted.  Remember his lessons throughout the scriptures, and get ready for his return.  Remember Jesus Christ until he comes!  Get ready, because he is surely coming back!

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. —Matthew 24:44 (NIV)