Joel M Bradshaw

23For I [Paul] received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25In 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.” 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.–1 Corinthians 11

1. Our more liturgical friends call these the words of institution, and they read them before they take Communion or the Lord’s Supper.
2. Unlike the other Apostles, Paul wasn’t actually at that supper with Jesus.
3. So Paul had to tell his audience that he received this “from the Lord.” It’s kind of cool that Jesus Himself informed Paul about what He said that night.
4. Jesus never told us to remember his birth, yet we do so every Christmas.
5. He did command us to proclaim His death. And remember, Jesus wasn’t a martyr, but instead a sacrifice. Without his body being broken or his blood poured out, we have no once-for-all sin offering making the payment to satisfy God’s wrath against our sins.
6. During Communion, we not only remember, but in partaking of food elements, we proclaim our participation in. The one who eats and drinks thus proclaims that Jesus’ death was for them. They claim it and are grateful for Jesus. They remember the price paid for their sins.
7. We remember Jesus. We proclaim His death. Participating in the Lord’s Supper is easily the most serious, solemn, and holy moment any forgiven sinner will ever experience this side of Heaven. Thank you, Jesus. It’s all any of us can ever say.–JMB