Printed across the front of just about every communion table in America are the words “This do in remembrance of Me,” taken from Jesus’ statement in Luke 22:19, and repeated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:24.
The “this” refers to the Lord’s Supper, and “Me” speaks about Jesus Christ, but the actual “remembrance” is something a lot of us struggle with. We fidget, consider our lunch plans, write the check for the offering, anything except actually focusing on what we’re supposed to be thinking about. So what are we really supposed to do with those five to ten minutes during this important time?
A common answer is to think back on the time of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and while that is part of it, it’s by no means the only activity during the Lord’s Supper. In Paul’s rebuke to the church at Corinth, he lists three different activities we engage in during this time in our services
We Reflect on His Death
None of us are worthy of the sacrifice that Christ made, but careful reflection during this time period can reveal secrets of our heart, especially as we consider our own lives against the One who gave all for us.
By telling the church at Corinth that “each one must examine himself,” Paul commanded every individual to measure themselves up against the Savior. Do I love the same things He loves? Do I hate the same things He hates? Am I living an obedient faith day in and day out for Him? Contextually speaking, do I exalt the less fortunate and seek to build bridges where society has built them up? Finally, am I fit to be called His child?
We Commune With God’s People
By its very definition, communion is not a individual activity, despite the fact that it is done in silence with quiet reflection on the heart.
As we raise our eyes, we are confronted with the fact that, though many things may divide us in the world (social class, background, age, etc), the one thing that unites us is our common love for God. In the upper room discourse (John 13-16), the Lord Jesus implored His Apostles to serve one another, because by serving others, we in turn serve God.
Communion not only connects us with God and His sacrifice, but connects us with those around us as well.
We Give Thanks for Christ’s Death
Allow me to make one thing clear: not a single one of us is worthy of the crucifixion that Jesus went through to make salvation possible. Not. One. And even though “I give my body to be burned” (1 Corinthians 13:3), it still pales in comparison the fact that Jesus went to the cross willingly and out of an eternal love for us (John 10:18).
We must never allow ourselves to lose sight of the fact that at any point in time, He could have called ten legions of angels to destroy the world and allow Him to return to His Father; the only reason He didn’t is because He knew it would destroy the only path available for us to reach Him. What magnitude of love the Son showed in that moment, that He willingly gave up all His glory for the sake of our soul.
