7 Meditations in Remembrance of The Last Supper

Since Jesus himself becomes the new covenant, he becomes the focus. He sat down with his disciples to celebrate Passover, when they remembered the time God saved Israel from Egypt and the angel of Death. However, he radically shifts the purpose of the meal and bread and wine. Jesus gives clear instruction, “Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) All of him—his life, love, nature, power, humility, story, suffering, victory, and more. He invited them, and us by extension, to remember a Person, not simply an ancient event. Jesus wanted us to remember how he served, showed compassion, gave forgiveness, and lived heaven on earth by obeying the Father. The apostles and early church obeyed and taught this. Paul said, “For when you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) Beyond communion, the apostles taught so much about Jesus’ life that they wrote the stories down and shared them, books we now call the Gospels. While Jesus’ life happened in history, in time, the work was eternal. Jesus was crucified before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). We can remember this event, engaging the unseen and eternal through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit personally engages us today and brings the words of Jesus and his work to our minds (John 14:26). Therefore, let’s make sure Jesus remains the focus in every situation and tradition. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/pamela_d_mcadams