October 20

Remembering Jesus

And He took the 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.” — Luke 22:19 BSB

There is something deeply touching about the Lord’s Supper as a memorial. We all know the power of mementos in keeping alive the memory of someone whose face we can no longer see. A young man once sat in his pastor’s study and took out a letter from his pocket, saying he had just heard from his sister back in their home in England. He opened the letter and showed the pastor some pressed flowers and dried blades of grass. With emotion choking his voice, he said, “These flowers and grasses are from my mother’s grave in England.” These small mementos brought back to him the memory of his mother, and he spoke lovingly of her character, her sacrifices, and her death. In a similar way, the elements of the Lord’s Supper bring to our hearts the memory of our Lord’s passion and the love that led Him to such a great sacrifice.

But simply remembering isn’t enough; the memory should stir our love and inspire us to remain faithful. There’s a story of a young man about to embark on a long journey. Just before he left, his father gave him a watch. On the dial were the pictures of his parents. “Take this watch,” said the father, “and carry it with you on your travels. Every time you check the time, you’ll see our faces looking up at you. Let this remind you that we are thinking of you and praying for you. Don’t go anywhere you wouldn’t want us to go with you, and don’t do anything you wouldn’t want us to see.”

In the Lord’s Supper, Jesus has given us a picture of Himself—His body broken and His blood shed. He wants us to remember Him and remain faithful. Remembering Jesus should keep us from doubt, protect us from sin, and motivate us to live lives of nobility and beauty.