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, as well as 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. And I celebrate that whenever I share at his table. The Lord’s Supper may be more a meal of remembrance to some. But it should be at least that to all believers.
