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 11:23b-26 NIV
There are a variety of views as to what the bread and wine/juice represent in the Lord’s Supper. To some, they become the literal body and blood of Jesus. To others, they only symbolize his body and blood. And there are a number of views between those two. As well as how they might serve as a vehicle for receiving God’s grace.
But regardless of how one views the elements, it is clear from this passage that the Lord’s Supper has both a backward and a forward-looking significance. Looking back, we remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. Looking forward, we are issuing a proclamation of his death until he returns. I should never participate in the Lord’s Supper without it being a time of remembrance—remembering what he has done for me and looking forward to his return.
Jesus’ death on the cross redeemed me from the empty way of life I had. And it brought me into the fullness of a relationship with my creator. I celebrate that whenever I share at his table. The Lord’s Supper may be more than a meal of remembrance to some. But it should be at least that to all believers.
